Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 3 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 3
Only or just
だけ is a flexible limiter. It can follow nouns, numbers, and many other forms. Its tone is often neutral and factual.
Target signal
水だけください。
Just water, please.
Notice how Limiting with だけ shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- ください
- please give; please do
- だけ
- only; just
- さ
- the hiragana character sa
Compare in context
三つだけ買いました。
I bought only three.
Notice how Limiting with だけ shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- いました
- there was; there were (living things)
- いま
- now
- した
- did
Compare in context
今日は漢字だけ勉強します。
Today I will study only kanji.
Notice how Limiting with だけ shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- 勉強します
- study
- します
- do
- しま
- stripe; striped pattern
Section 2 of 3
As much as possible or as much as you can
You will often see できるだけ or 分かるだけ. In these cases, だけ marks a limit based on ability, time, or amount.
Target signal
できるだけ早く来てください。
Please come as early as possible.
Notice how Limiting with だけ shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- てください
- please do ...
- ください
- please give; please do
- できる
- to be able to; to be completed
Preview
分かるだけ書いてください。
Please write as much as you understand.
Notice how Limiting with だけ shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- 書いてください
- please write
- てください
- please do ...
- ください
- please give; please do
Preview
食べられるだけ食べてください。
Please eat as much as you can.
Notice how Limiting with だけ shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- てください
- please do ...
- ください
- please give; please do
- 食べて
- eat and...
Section 3 of 3
Reading nuance: neutral limitation
だけ often states a limit without the stronger feeling of shortage, surprise, or disappointment that しか〜ない can suggest. In reading, it is often the less emotional option.
Target signal
会議には部長だけ出ました。
Only the department head attended the meeting.
Notice how Limiting with だけ shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- した
- did
- だけ
- only; just
- 会議
- meeting
Preview
この店は土曜日だけ開いています。
This shop is open only on Saturdays.
Notice how Limiting with だけ shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- います
- there is; exists (animate)
- 土曜日
- Saturday
- いま
- now
Preview
必要なものだけ持ってきてください。
Please bring only what you need.
Notice how Limiting with だけ shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- てください
- please do ...
- ください
- please give; please do
- 持って
- holding and