Sometimes you don’t just want to say something happened recently—you want to say “I just did it!” In that case, the better grammar point is た + ばかり. Let’s explore how to use ばかり when you want to express a recent action with emotion or emphasis.
た + ばかり
Just Did (With Feeling!)
Usage Pattern
[Verb (past short form)] + ばかり + です / だ
Details
JLPT Level: N3
How to Use It
Use ばかり when you just did something and it feels recent to you, even if it wasn’t seconds ago. It’s often used when you’re surprised, annoyed, or emotionally involved in the timing. Compared to たところ, which is neutral and time-based, ばかり is subjective and feeling-based.
Want A Deeper Explanation?
Example 1
さっき食べたばかりです。
さっき たべた ばかり です。
Sakki tabeta bakari desu.
I just ate a little while ago.
Example 2
メールを送ったばかりなのに、もう返事が来た！
めーる を おくった ばかり なのに、もう へんじ が きた！
Mēru o okutta bakari nanoni, mō henji ga kita!
I just sent the email, and I already got a reply!
Example 3
皿を洗ったばかりだよ！
さら を あらった ばかり だ よ！
Sara o aratta bakari da yo!
I just washed the dishes!