Meaning
This grammar pattern describes a situation where something is not stated in words, but the person's actions, demeanor, or facial expression clearly convey that intent. It is used when describing another person's behavior, appearance, or expression as if they were saying something without actually speaking.
Formation
| Part of speech | Formation |
|---|---|
| Verb (plain form) | とばかりに |
| Verb (imperative form) | とばかりに |
| い-adjective | とばかりに |
| な-adjective | とばかりに |
| Noun | とばかりに |
Examples
-
彼は、わたしに帰ってくれとばかりに、ドアを開けた。
He opened the door as if to tell me to leave. -
猫はねずみをしばらく自で追っていたが、ねずみが止まった瞬間、ここぞとばかりに飛びかかった。
The cat had been following the mouse with its eyes for a while, and the moment the mouse stopped, it pounced as if thinking "now is the chance." -
先生が教室を出ると、生徒たちはチャンスとばかりに話し始めた。
As soon as the teacher left the classroom, the students started chatting as though seizing their chance.
Summary
- 「〜とばかりに」means "as if to say; as though"
- Attaches to verbs (plain form and imperative form), い-adjectives, な-adjectives, and nouns
- The expression 「ここぞとばかりに」(as if there is no better chance than this) describes seizing upon a moment as the perfect opportunity and acting vigorously.