GrammarN32 min read2026-02-17

〜ばかり

Expresses repeatedly doing only one thing, often implying dissatisfaction or complaint

Meaning

〜ばかり indicates doing only one thing while neglecting others, typically expressing the speaker's frustration or dissatisfaction. It emphasizes repetitive or exclusive behavior that bothers the speaker. The pattern pairs with nouns (noun + ばかり) or verb te-form (verb て-form + ばかり), and commonly appears as てばかりいる to stress ongoing problematic behavior.

Formation

Part of speechFormation
名词ばかり
动词(て形)ばかり

Examples

  1. あの子は、肉ばかり食べて、野菜は全然食べません。
    That child eats nothing but meat and hardly eats any vegetables at all.

  2. 父は、毎日仕事をしてばかりで、いっしょに遊んでくれない。
    Dad is always working every day and won't play with me.

  3. 泣いてばかりいても、何も解決しないよ。
    Just crying won't solve anything.

Summary

  • Used to express exclusive focus on one action while neglecting others
  • Conveys speaker's dissatisfaction, complaint, or frustration about the situation
  • Common form てばかりいる emphasizes repeated problematic behavior or continuous state

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