JLPT N1

ただ～のみ

Nothing but, only

Structure

ただ + Verb-dictionary form / Noun + のみ

How it works

This expresses that there is nothing else to do or no other choice available apart from the action or item specified. It conveys a sense of finality or limitation.

Examples

私にできることは、ただ祈るのみだ。

All I can do is just pray.

Common mistakes

Overusing it in casual conversation. It carries a formal and somewhat literary tone.

Tip

Think 'only this and nothing else'. 'のみ' is a more formal and emphatic version of 'だけ'.

More JLPT N1 grammar

いかんによらずをもってをものともせずともなるとであれたりとも~ないに足る極まりない

See ただ～のみ in real Japanese

Import an article and tap any sentence using it. The explanation comes back about the sentence in front of you, not a textbook example.

Try InputDojo free