synonym Comparative
ばかり
VS
極まりない
Differences Between "ばかり" and "極まりない"
Option A
ばかり
Meaning
just, only, nothing but; just finished doing
Reading
ばかり (bakari)
Syllabus Level
N3
Practical Example
彼はいつも文句ばかり言っている。
He's always just complaining.
Option B
極まりない
Meaning
extremely, utterly, nothing could be more...
Reading
きわまりない (kiwamari nai)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
彼の態度は失礼極まりない。
His attitude is utterly rude.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(just, only, nothing but; just finished doing)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- ばかり: Can emphasize 'only' or 'nothing but' (名詞+ばかり), or indicate an action was 'just finished' (Vた+ばかり). Also, Vてばかりいる means 'always doing' or 'doing nothing but'.
- 極まりない: Used after a noun or na-adjective to express an extreme degree, often with a negative or critical nuance, suggesting that something is beyond acceptable limits. More emphatic than 「非常に」.
- ばかり: Can emphasize 'only' or 'nothing but' (名詞+ばかり), or indicate an action was 'just finished' (Vた+ばかり). Also, Vてばかりいる means 'always doing' or 'doing nothing but'.
- 極まりない: Used after a noun or na-adjective to express an extreme degree, often with a negative or critical nuance, suggesting that something is beyond acceptable limits. More emphatic than 「非常に」.
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