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Definition
The grammar pattern 'V-た + ばかり' is used to express that an action was completed very recently according to the speaker's subjective feeling. It can be used for events that happened a while ago if they feel fresh to the speaker. This pattern is often used to describe recent events or actions that are still vivid in the speaker's mind. It's essential to note that this pattern is not limited to immediate past events but can also be used for events that occurred a short while ago and are still fresh in the speaker's memory.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Ta-form of the verb | V-た | 食べた (ta-form of 'taberu') |
| Adverbial suffix 'ばかり' | +ばかり | ばかり (adverbial suffix) |
| Combination of the ta-form and the adverbial suffix | V-た + ばかり | 食べたばかり (combination of the ta-form and the adverbial suffix) |
Examples
このパソコンは先週食べたばかりなのに、もう壊れてしまった。
Kono pasokon wa senshū tabeta bakari na no ni, mō kowarete shimatta.
This computer was eaten just last week, but it's already broken.
このパソコン (this computer), 先週 (last week), 食べた (eaten), ばかり (just), なのに (but),もう (already),壊れてしまった (broken)
さっきご飯を食べたばかりなので、お腹がいっぱいです。
Sakki gohan o tabeta bakari na no de, onaka ga ippai desu.
I just ate dinner, so my stomach is full.
さっき (just now),ご飯を (dinner), 食べた (eaten), ばかり (just), なので (so), お腹がいっぱい (stomach is full)
彼は三ヶ月前に結婚し、食べたばかりです。
Kare wa san kagetsu mae ni kekkon shi, tabeta bakari desu.
He got married three months ago and has just eaten.
彼 (he), 三ヶ月 (three months), 前に (ago), 結婚し (got married), 食べた (eaten), ばかり (just), です (is)
Context
This pattern is used to describe recent events or actions that are still vivid in the speaker's mind. It's essential to note that this pattern is not limited to immediate past events but can also be used for events that occurred a short while ago and are still fresh in the speaker's memory. The ta-form of the verb is used to indicate the completion of the action, and the adverbial suffix 'ばかり' emphasizes the recent nature of the event.
Watch out
'Ta tokoro' is used to describe the immediate objective past, whereas 'V-た + ばかり' is used to describe recent events or actions that are still vivid in the speaker's mind.
The dictionary form of the verb is used to describe the general or habitual action, whereas the ta-form is used to indicate the completion of the action.
'Bakari' is used to emphasize the exclusivity or singularity of something, whereas 'V-た + ばかり' is used to describe recent events or actions.
Strategy
When using 'V-た + ばかり' in the JLPT exam, make sure to use the ta-form of the verb and the adverbial suffix 'ばかり' to describe recent events or actions. Be careful not to confuse it with 'ta tokoro' or 'bakari' meaning 'only' or 'nothing but'.
Related
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N4 test-style questions. Each sentence shows V-た + ばかり used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
このパソコンは先週 買ったばかり なのに、もう壊れてしまった。
Pattern used: 買ったばかり
'Ta bakari' expresses that the purchase feels very recent, making the breakdown surprising.
さっきご飯を 食べたばかり なので、お腹がいっぱいです。
Pattern used: 食べたばかり
'Tabeta bakari' indicates the meal was just finished, explaining the full stomach.
彼は三ヶ月前に結婚し たばかり です。
Pattern used: たばかり
'Ta bakari' is used here because three months is subjectively short for a marriage, whereas 'ta tokoro' would imply it happened seconds ago.
Interactive
このパソコンは先週 ______ なのに、もう壊れてしまった。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.