How to Say “Only” in Japanese with だけ

When you want to say something like “only one,” “just this,” or “that’s all,” the word you’ll likely use is だけ. This word is simple, neutral, and flexible—perfect for describing a situation where there’s “nothing more, nothing less.”
Let’s learn how to use だけ to express “only” or “just” in Japanese.

だけ

Only / Just (Neutral Tone)

Usage Pattern

[Noun] + だけ
[い-adjective / Verb (short form)] + だけ
[な-adjective + ] + だけ

Details

JLPT Level: N5

How to Use It

The word だけ is used to state something factually—that something is the only thing or action involved. It doesn’t express any emotion like disappointment or surprise—it just tells the listener what is and isn’t included.
だけ can follow nouns, verbs, and adjectives. When paired with a noun, no particle is needed. For verbs, use the short (dictionary or ている) form. With な-adjectives, you include the な before adding だけ.
You can use だ or です after だけ depending on how casual or polite you want to be.

Want A Deeper Explanation?

Sign up for Kotoba Kards and get more in depth explanations about grammar points as well as frequent review questions to help you retain what you are learning.

Example 1

水だけ飲みました。

みず だけ のみました。

Mizu dake nomimashita.

I only drank water.

Example 2

彼は静かなだけです。

かれ は しずか な だけ です。

Kare wa shizuka na dake desu.

He’s just quiet.

Example 3

見るだけです。

みる だけ です。

Miru dake desu.

I’m just looking.

Scroll to Top