JLPT N5 Grammar
· Beginner
Search pages and navigate
· Beginner
Only / just
Category: Comparisons & Degree
The grammar pattern "だけ" is used to indicate that something is limited or restricted to a certain extent. It can be used with both positive and negative sentences to convey that something is only that much or just that much. For example, "コーヒーだけ飲みました" means "I only drank coffee". This pattern is often used to contrast with other options or to emphasize that something is limited to a certain extent. It can also be used to convey a sense of surprise or unexpectedness.
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | Nounだけ | コーヒーだけ飲みました |
| Verb | Verbだけ | 日本語が少しだけわかります |
| Counter | Counterだけ | 今日は水だけ飲みました |
コーヒーだけ飲みました。
Kohi dake nomimashita.
I only drank coffee.
Kohi (coffee) dake (only) nomi (drank) mashita (past tense)
日本語が少しだけわかります。
Nihongo ga sukoshi dake wakarimasu.
I only know a little Japanese.
Nihongo (Japanese) ga (subject marker) sukoshi (a little) dake (only) wakarimasu (can understand)
今日は水だけ飲みました。何も食べませんでした。
Kyō wa mizu dake nomimashita. Nanimo tabemashita.
I only drank water today. I didn't eat anything.
Kyō (today) wa (topic marker) mizu (water) dake (only) nomi (drank) mashita (past tense). Nanimo (nothing) tabe (eat) mashita (past tense)
The grammar pattern "だけ" is used to indicate that something is limited or restricted to a certain extent. It can be used with both positive and negative sentences to convey that something is only that much or just that much. It is often used to contrast with other options or to emphasize that something is limited to a certain extent. It can also be used to convey a sense of surprise or unexpectedness. The pattern is typically used in casual conversation and is not typically used in formal writing.
The pattern "だけ" must be placed after the word it restricts. For example, "コーヒーだけ飲みました" is correct, but "だけコーヒー飲みました" is incorrect.
The pattern "だけ" can be used with both positive and negative sentences, whereas "しか" requires a negative verb. For example, "コーヒーだけ飲みました" is correct, but "コーヒーしか飲みませんでした" is incorrect.
When using the pattern "だけ" on the JLPT exam, make sure to place it after the word it restricts and use it with both positive and negative sentences. Also, be careful not to confuse it with the pattern "しか".
コーヒー______飲みました。
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.