Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 4 sections in order. Notice the target form, compare it with the nearby alternative, then use the reading and practice below to check the meaning in context.
Section 1 of 4
Core meaning
Recognize with nouns and verbs in context.
Start with the example
。
He does nothing but eat sweets.
Repeated behavior with a negative nuance.
Notice the variation
。
He keeps complaining all the time.
The speaker sounds annoyed.
More detail: how to apply this
often means 'nothing but' or 'all the time,' but unlike , it frequently suggests excess, repetition, or imbalance.
In reading, it can carry a negative or critical tone.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Use the consequence to identify the writer’s evaluation of repetition, while distinguishing it from recentness.
states that she does not try to start anything. This consequence explains the concern about worrying dominating her behavior.
、。
She does nothing but worry and does not try to start anything.
Use the consequence to identify the writer’s evaluation of repetition, while distinguishing it from recentness.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
He does nothing but eat sweets.
Repeated behavior with a negative nuance.
Vocabulary notes
- ばかり
- just; only
Compare in context
。
He keeps complaining all the time.
The speaker sounds annoyed.
Vocabulary notes
- ばかり
- just; only
Section 2 of 4
Compare with だけ and しか〜ない
Compare with and 〜
Start with the example
。
Today I drank only water.
Neutral limitation.
Notice the variation
。
I have only one thousand yen in my wallet.
Strong limitation with a negative form.
More detail: how to apply this
is relatively neutral.
〜 strongly limits what exists or is possible.
often adds emotional color, such as 'too much of the same thing.'
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Today I drank only water.
Neutral limitation.
。
Today I drank only water.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: Today I drank only water.
Showing Compare with だけ and しか〜ない: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
Today I drank only water.
Neutral limitation.
Vocabulary notes
- 今日
- today
- だけ
- only; just
Preview
。
I have only one thousand yen in my wallet.
Strong limitation with a negative form.
Vocabulary notes
- しか
- only; nothing but
- ない
- not; there is not
Preview
。
I did nothing but sleep on my days off.
Imbalance or wasted time.
Vocabulary notes
- 休日
- day off; holiday
- ばかり
- just; only
- いた
- was there
Section 3 of 4
Reading focus
Use the consequence to identify the writer’s evaluation of repetition, while distinguishing it from recentness.
Reading focus
、。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
emphasizes repeated or dominant worrying, with a critical or concerned evaluation.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
Do not confuse this lesson's with , which means 'just did.' In narrative writing, 〜 often reveals the writer's evaluation of a character's habits.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
I just came to Japan, so I still do not know the roads well.
This is , not the evaluative pattern.
、。
I just came to Japan, so I still do not know the roads well.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: I just came to Japan, so I still do not know the roads well.
Showing Reading focus: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
、。
I just came to Japan, so I still do not know the roads well.
This is , not the evaluative pattern.
Vocabulary notes
- なので
- because; so
- 分からない
- not understand; not know
Preview
、。
She does nothing but worry and does not try to start anything.
〜 often criticizes unbalanced behavior or inaction.
Vocabulary notes
- ばかり
- just; only
Section 4 of 4
Compare the meaning
Use the contrast to make a decision. Choose an answer before opening the explanation.
Example A
Example B
Your turn · decide before revealing
How do these two examples change the meaning?
More detail: what changes and why
Compare and .
The verb form and placement around determine whether it marks recency or repeated concentration.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
The verb form and placement around determine whether it marks recency or repeated concentration.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: Have just read / spend one's time only reading
Use the sentence to choose between these interpretations; do not add information that is only in an answer choice.
Showing Compare the meaning: Everyday words.