〜たばかり

Just did...; Have just...

1. Translation

The expression "〜たばかり" is used to indicate that something has just been completed or has just happened recently. It emphasizes that only a short time has passed since the action occurred.

2. Overview

"〜たばかり" is used to express a very recent action or event. It implies that the event is fresh in the speaker's mind or that the effects of the action are still present. It can be used both in spoken and written Japanese to emphasize the recency of the action.

3. Structure

• Grammar Structure:

  • Verb (た-form) + ばかり

• Explanation: This structure is always attached to the た-form of verbs (past tense) to express an action that has just been completed.

4. Usage Explanation

• Connection:
  • The た-form of verbs is used to describe completed actions or events that happened very recently.
• Translation: It translates to "just did...; have just...".

5. Example Sentences

1. 今ご飯を食べたばかりです。
   I just ate.

2. 彼は先週、仕事を始めたばかりです。
   He just started working last week.

3. さっき、会議が終わったばかりだ。
   The meeting just finished a little while ago.

4. 彼女は日本に引っ越したばかりです。
   She just moved to Japan.

5. 雨が降り始めたばかりだ。
   It has just started raining.

6. Similar Grammar

• 〜たところ: Also means "just did" but emphasizes the exact moment something has just been completed.
  • Example: 今、食べたところです。
    I just finished eating right now.

7. Notes

• Context: "〜たばかり" is used when the speaker wants to emphasize the recency of the action. It often implies that there hasn't been enough time for anything significant to happen since the action took place.

• Tone: The tone is neutral and factual, mainly describing time or the sequence of events.

8. Summary

"〜たばかり" is a useful expression to convey that something has just happened. It places emphasis on the fact that only a short time has passed since the action was completed and is commonly used in daily conversation to describe recent events.