Japanese grammar
What does ～たばかりだ mean? Japanese grammar N4
～たばかりだ means have just done ~.
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N4 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Vた + ばかりだ |
| Romaji | ~ ta bakari da |
| Meaning | have just done ~ |
How to use it
Expressing that the speaker feels it hasn't been long since an action was completed.
- ばかり allows for "recent" based on subjective feeling. Depending on the matter, a minute, a week, or even several months can still be considered not long ago.
- Compared to Vたところだ, ばかり doesn't necessarily mean the very moment something just finished. So 日本に来たばかりです can be said during the first few weeks in Japan.
Examples
先月、この会社に入ったばかりです。
I only joined this company last month.
買ったばかりの時計をなくしてしまいました。
I lost the watch that I had just bought.
Keep in mind
- In a modifying clause, use Vたばかりの + N: 買ったばかりの靴 (shoes I just bought).
Common mistakes
-
Wrong私は今ご飯を食べるばかりです。
Correct私は今ご飯を食べたばかりです。
The meaning "just did" requires the た form before ばかり.
Exam tips
- Even with a time marker like 先月, if the sentence still emphasizes "still recent," たばかり can be correct; たところ cannot.