JLPT N2 Grammar
· Upper Intermediate
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· Upper Intermediate
Simply because (negative result)
Category: Cause & Reason
The grammar pattern "V・A・Na・N（普）+ ばかりに" is used to indicate that a single, often small factor caused a disproportionately bad result. This pattern is commonly used to express regret or disappointment over a negative outcome. It cannot be used to describe positive outcomes, as it implies that the result was worse than expected. The pattern typically involves a verb, an adverb, a na-adjective or na-demonstrative, and a noun, all connected by "dearu" forms.
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Verb (V) | V + ばかりに | 雨が降ったばかりに、傘を忘れて出かけた |
| Adverb (A) | A + V + ばかりに | 少し急いで歩いたばかりに、足を滑らせて転んだ |
| Na-Adjective (Na) | Na + である + ばかりに | 彼の言葉を信じたばかりに、大変な目に遭った |
| Na-Demonstrative (N) | N + である + ばかりに | 彼の家が近いばかりに、散歩に行くことができなかった |
ちょっと油断したばかりに、試合で負けてしまった。
Chotto yudan shita bakari ni, shiai de makete shimatta.
I was a bit careless, and we lost the game.
ちょっと (a bit), 油断した (was careless), ばかりに (because), 試合で (in the game), 負けてしまった (lost)
彼の一言を信じたばかりに、大変な目に遭った。
Kare no ichi-go o shinjita bakari ni, taihen na me ni aetta.
I believed what he said, and I encountered a big problem.
彼の一言 (what he said), 信じた (believed), ばかりに (because), 大変な目 (big problem), 遭った (encountered)
お金がないばかりに、進学を諦めなければならなかった。
Okane ga nai bakari ni, shingaku o akirame naki ni shite orimashita.
Because I didn't have enough money, I had to give up on further education.
お金がない (didn't have enough money), ばかりに (because), 進学を (further education), 諦めなければならなかった (had to give up)
This pattern is used to express regret or disappointment over a negative outcome. It is commonly used in situations where a small factor had a disproportionately big impact. The pattern cannot be used to describe positive outcomes, as it implies that the result was worse than expected. The register is formal or informal, depending on the context.
This pattern implies that the result was worse than expected, so it cannot be used for positive outcomes.
While both patterns involve "bakari," they have different meanings and usage. "Bakari ka" is used to indicate that something is not only true but also limited to a certain extent.
When using na-adjectives or na-demonstratives, remember to use "dearu" forms to connect them to the verb.
In the JLPT N2 exam, this pattern may appear in reading comprehension or listening sections. Be prepared to recognize and use this pattern correctly to answer questions.
ちょっと油断した______、大切な試合で負けてしまった。
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