JLPT N3 grammar

〜ばかりかmeaning and usage

Meaning

Not only A, but B as well

This point is also listed at N2.

How to form it

  • verb (plain form)/い-adjectiveばかりか
  • な-adjective (stem)なばかりか
  • nounばかりか

How it is used

'Not only A, but even B', where B goes further or is unexpected, often with 「まで」, 「さえ」 or 「も」. Stronger than 「ばかりではなく」 and also used for bad things. Not followed by commands or requests.

Examples

  1. 母はスペイン語ばかりかイタリア語もしゃべれます。

    My mother not only can speak Spanish, she can speak Italian too.

  2. 雨が降ってきたばかりか、風まで強くなった。

    Not only did it start raining, but the wind picked up too.

  3. 弟は謝らないばかりか、私のせいにした。

    Not only did my brother not apologize, he even blamed me.