Grammar Point

だけ

only, just, merely, simply, no more than, nothing but, alone


Noun + だけ

Used after a noun to express a limit or restriction, meaning 'only' or 'just' that specific item.

Noun

Attaches directly to a noun to indicate that the scope does not go beyond it.


I only bought apples.

Only the dog is here today.

Note

When だけ is used with particles like が or を, those particles are often omitted. However, when used with particles like に, へ, or から, だけ can appear either before or after the particle (e.g., 東京だけに or 東京にだけ).

Verb informal / い-Adjective + だけ

Attaches to informal verbs and い-adjectives to indicate that the action or state is the only thing being done or intended, often implying a lack of other actions or qualities.

Verb informal

Attaches to the informal form of a verb.


I just walked a little.

I will just open the window.

い-Adjective

Attaches directly to the dictionary form of an い-adjective.


That dish is just spicy.

Note

This formation emphasizes that nothing else beyond the stated action or characteristic applies.

な-Adjective + な + だけ

Used to indicate that a specific quality is the only notable characteristic.

な-Adjective

For な-adjectives, the 'な' must be kept before 'だけ'.


This computer is just complicated.



Radicals of radicals