〜ばかり
nothing but ~
Put the expectation and the surprising or different result together.
Remember it
Turn the sentence in a new direction with 〜ばかり.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜ばかり」 means "nothing but ~". Structure: Noun + ばかり. This is a JLPT N3 pattern — the examples below slot different everyday and workplace words into the same structure so you can see how it behaves. Learn the structure, then swap in your own words.
When to use it
Use it to contrast facts, expectations, people, choices, or results.
Tone: Neutral
A general pattern; let the sentence ending and situation set the politeness level.
Use
Hear it in real life
Everyday life
Example 1彼は利用のことばかり話します。
かれ は りよう の こと ばかり はなします。
kare wa riyou no koto bakari hanashimasu.
He talks about nothing but the use.
Everyday life
Example 2彼は指導のことばかり話します。
かれ は しどう の こと ばかり はなします。
kare wa shidou no koto bakari hanashimasu.
He talks about nothing but the guidance.
Everyday life
Example 3彼は記録のことばかり話します。
かれ は きろく の こと ばかり はなします。
kare wa kiroku no koto bakari hanashimasu.
He talks about nothing but the record.
Everyday life
Example 4彼は配送のことばかり話します。
かれ は はいそう の こと ばかり はなします。
kare wa haisou no koto bakari hanashimasu.
He talks about nothing but the shipping.
Everyday life
Example 5彼は通訳のことばかり話します。
かれ は つうやく の こと ばかり はなします。
kare wa tsuuyaku no koto bakari hanashimasu.
He talks about nothing but the interpretation.
Make it yours
Choose one example. Replace one person, place, object, or time with a detail from your life, then say the new sentence aloud.
Recall
Test your memory
Recall practice
Can you say it?
1 of 5
Read the situation, look away from the answer, and say the Japanese aloud.
Your situation
He talks about nothing but the use.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜ばかり.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.