JLPT N3
ばかり
Nothing but / Only
Structure
Verb て-form ばかり / Noun ばかり
How it works
This grammar point is used to express that someone is doing nothing but one specific action, or that only one thing is present. It often carries a critical or negative nuance, implying that the frequency or amount is excessive. When used with verbs, it follows the -te form (てばかり), and with nouns, it follows the noun directly (ばかり).
Examples
弟は毎日ゲームをしてばかりいる。
My little brother does nothing but play video games every day.
仕事のミスばかり気にしないでください。
Please don't focus only on your mistakes at work.
雨ばかり降っていて、どこにも遊びに行けない。
It’s been nothing but rain, so I can't go out anywhere to play.
Common mistakes
Do not confuse this with 'たばかり' (just finished doing), which uses the past tense (ta-form) and indicates time, whereas 'てばかり' indicates repeated behavior.
Tip
Think of 'ばかり' as '100% of the time/volume' in the speaker's eyes. It’s very common to see it used as '〜てばかりいる' to describe a chronic habit.
More JLPT N3 grammar
See ばかり in real Japanese
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