だけ

Alternative writings:
Frequency:
1

A particle indicating limitation: "only", "just", or "merely" — restricts the scope to what is mentioned.

ParticleUsually Kana

Examples

ケーキは一切れだけください。

Please give me just one piece of cake.

彼だけ来なかった。

He was the only one who didn't come.

昨日は水だけ飲んだ。

Yesterday I only drank water.

2

Used to indicate extent or sufficiency: "as much as", "to the extent of", or "enough to" (e.g., 'できるだけ' = 'as much as possible').

ParticleUsually Kana

Examples

できるだけ早く来てください。

Please come as early as possible.

あと千円だけあれば買えるのに。

If I had just another 1,000 yen, I could buy it.

見るだけで違いがわかる。

You can tell the difference just by looking.

Word Relationships

Synonyms