Japanese

ただ

ただ
Meaning: just, only, merely; however, but; free (of charge)
Part of Speech: Adverb, Conjunction

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Example sentences

ただ一つの問題がある
There is just one problem.
忙しいというか、ただやる気が出ないだけだ。
It's not that I'm busy, or rather, I just don't feel like it.
彼女の泣き真似はただの芝居だ。
Her crying is just an act.
火災の跡を前にして、彼はただ立ち尽くしていた。
He just stood there transfixed before the ruins of the fire.
彼の提案はただの思いつきではなかった。
His proposal was not just a whim.

Usage Notes

ただ has multiple meanings: 1) 'only/just/merely' to indicate limitation or exclusivity. 2) 'however/but' at the beginning of sentences to introduce contrast. 3) 'free' when written as タダ or 只, meaning no cost. The meaning depends on context and position in the sentence.

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