〜一方だ
keeps on ~ing
Use this pattern to shape a complete, natural Japanese thought.
Remember it
Connect the meaning to its sound: say “〜一方だ” aloud once.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜一方だ」 means "keeps on ~ing". Structure: Verb dictionary + 一方だ. 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
Read the example aloud, then replace one detail with something from your own life.
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利用は増える一方です。
りよう は ふえる いっぽう です。
riyou wa fueru ippou desu.
The use keeps on increasing.
Everyday life
Example 2指導は増える一方です。
しどう は ふえる いっぽう です。
shidou wa fueru ippou desu.
The guidance keeps on increasing.
Everyday life
Example 3記録は増える一方です。
きろく は ふえる いっぽう です。
kiroku wa fueru ippou desu.
The record keeps on increasing.
Everyday life
Example 4配送は増える一方です。
はいそう は ふえる いっぽう です。
haisou wa fueru ippou desu.
The shipping keeps on increasing.
Everyday life
Example 5通訳は増える一方です。
つうやく は ふえる いっぽう です。
tsuuyaku wa fueru ippou desu.
The interpretation keeps on increasing.
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
The use keeps on increasing.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜一方だ.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.