synonym Comparative
ばかり
VS
手持ち無沙汰
Differences Between "ばかり" and "手持ち無沙汰"
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
手持ち無沙汰
Meaning
having nothing to do, feeling bored, being idle
Reading
てもちぶさた (temochibusata)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
待ち時間が長く、手持ち無沙汰だった。
The waiting time was long, and I felt idle.
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'.
- 手持ち無沙汰: Refers to the feeling of boredom or restlessness that arises when one has nothing particular to do with one's hands or time. Often happens when waiting. (することがなく、時間を持て余して退屈な気持ちになること)
- 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'.
- 手持ち無沙汰: Refers to the feeling of boredom or restlessness that arises when one has nothing particular to do with one's hands or time. Often happens when waiting. (することがなく、時間を持て余して退屈な気持ちになること)
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