〜たばかり
just did ~
Use this pattern to shape a complete, natural Japanese thought.
Remember it
Connect the meaning to its sound: say “〜たばかり” aloud once.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜たばかり」 means "just did ~". Structure: Verb ta-form + 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
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利用が始まったばかりです。
りよう が はじまった ばかり です。
riyou ga hajimatta bakari desu.
The use has just started.
Everyday life
Example 2指導が始まったばかりです。
しどう が はじまった ばかり です。
shidou ga hajimatta bakari desu.
The guidance has just started.
Everyday life
Example 3記録が始まったばかりです。
きろく が はじまった ばかり です。
kiroku ga hajimatta bakari desu.
The record has just started.
Everyday life
Example 4配送が始まったばかりです。
はいそう が はじまった ばかり です。
haisou ga hajimatta bakari desu.
The shipping has just started.
Everyday life
Example 5通訳が始まったばかりです。
つうやく が はじまった ばかり です。
tsuuyaku ga hajimatta bakari desu.
The interpretation has just started.
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 has just started.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜たばかり.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.