GI07 · Have just: 〜たばかり

Before you start

The sentences use words you already know, up to the intermediate level, in kanji with furigana, and assume elementary grammar.

This lesson assumes what you saw in the earlier ones. If something feels shaky, go back to it:

• GI01say something is excessive
• GI02say whether something is easy or hard to do
• GI03say what you do something for
• GI04say what you do to avoid something
• GI05pass on what you've heard
• GI06say what seems to be so

What you learn

〜た ばかりです

• ばかりhave just (〜た ばかり)

The た-form + ばかりです says something has just happened, even days ago if it feels recent to you: にほんに きた ばかりです (I've just arrived in Japan).

• 日本にほんに きた ばかりです。nihon ni kita bakari desu.I've just arrived in Japan.
• 昼ひるご飯はんを 食たべた ばかりです。hirugohan o tabeta bakari desu.I've just had lunch.
• 新あたらしい スマホを 買かった ばかりです。atarashii sumaho o katta bakari desu.I've just bought a new phone.
• 起おきた ばかりです。okita bakari desu.I've just got up.
• 引ひっ越こした ばかりです。hikkoshita bakari desu.I've just moved house.
• 宿題しゅくだいを した ばかりです。shukudai o shita bakari desu.I've just done my homework.

Practice

A short text with words and grammar you already know; kanji carry their reading above. Read it and answer.