Japanese grammar
What does A。ただ、B。 mean? Japanese grammar N2
A。ただ、B。 means the only thing is…; except that….
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N2 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Sentence A。ただ、sentence B。 |
| Romaji | A.tada,B. |
| Meaning | the only thing is…; except that… |
Forming it
| Adding a downside | 料理はおいしい。ただ、少し高い。 |
|---|
How to use it
Generally agrees with A, but adds ONE small reservation. Mild tone, tactful.
- 「ただ」 = the only thing is. A is acknowledged, and B is the SINGLE downside: 「この店は雰囲気もいいし料理もおいしい。ただ、少し高い」.
- Much softer than 「しかし」 — Japanese speakers often use it to criticize subtly without denying A altogether.
- Different from 「ただし」 (N2-086): 「ただし」 states a formal CONDITION/exception, while 「ただ」 is just a personal remark.
Examples
この店は料理もおいしい。ただ、値段が少し高い。
The food here is good. The only thing is, it is a bit pricey.
彼は頭がいい。ただ、あまり努力しない。
He is smart. The only problem is he does not try very hard.
Keep in mind
- B is a small reservation, not a denial of A.
- For a binding condition, use 「ただし」.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong外は雨が降っている。ただ、家にいると暇だ。
It's raining outside. The only thing is, staying home is boring too.
Correct外は雨が降っている。ただ、家にいるのも退屈だ。
B must be a reservation about the VERY thing A just stated, not a jump to something else.
-
Wrongこの部屋を使ってもいい。ただ、使った後は掃除すること。
You may use this room. On the condition that you clean up afterward.
Correctこの部屋を使ってもいい。ただし、使った後は掃除すること。
This is an attached condition, so 「ただし」 must be used.
Exam tips
- 「ただ」 = the only thing is (a small reservation); use 「ただし」 for a binding condition.