〜てばかりいる
do nothing but ~
Say clearly that an action is not allowed.
Remember it
Picture a stop sign: the action + 〜てばかりいる.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜てばかりいる」 means "do nothing but ~". Structure: Verb te-form + ばかりいる. 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
You will meet this in rules, instructions, notices, and safety warnings.
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彼は参加をしてばかりいます。
かれ は さんか を して ばかり います。
kare wa sanka o shite bakari imasu.
He does nothing but the participation.
Everyday life
Example 2彼は帰国をしてばかりいます。
かれ は きこく を して ばかり います。
kare wa kikoku o shite bakari imasu.
He does nothing but the returning to one's country.
Everyday life
Example 3彼は購入をしてばかりいます。
かれ は こうにゅう を して ばかり います。
kare wa kounyuu o shite bakari imasu.
He does nothing but the purchase.
Everyday life
Example 4彼は練習をしてばかりいます。
かれ は れんしゅう を して ばかり います。
kare wa renshuu o shite bakari imasu.
He does nothing but the practice.
At school
Example 5彼は留学をしてばかりいます。
かれ は りゅうがく を して ばかり います。
kare wa ryuugaku o shite bakari imasu.
He does nothing but the studying abroad.
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 does nothing but the participation.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜てばかりいる.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.