ばかり

ばかり expresses the idea of “only” or “nothing but,” showing that something is limited to a certain thing or action, often with a sense of excess, complaint, or emphasis. It can refer to nouns (what exists), verbs (what one does), or adjectives (a state). In common use, it highlights a lack of variety or a persistent pattern. When used with verbs in the ている form, it emphasizes ongoing orRepeated behavior (e.g., doing something all the time). Note that ばかり has nuanced connotations and can sound criticizing or lamenting when someone does nothing but one thing. Common patterns and nuances: - Noun + ばかり: marks that the subject does nothing but that noun (e.g., 食べるばかりだ = “they do nothing but eat”). - Verb (dictionary form) + ばかり: indicates that the action is done frequently or exclusively (e.g., 勉強ばかりしている = “doing nothing but studying”). - Verb ている + ばかり: emphasizes ongoing, habitual, or excessive repetition (e.g., 遊んでばかりいる = “always playing”). - い-adjective + ばかり: describes a state dominated by that adjective, often implying limitation (e.g., 忙しいばかりで = “only busy (and not much else)”). - ばかりか: a related expression used to contrast, meaning “not only … but also …” (different pattern from the basic ばかり).