こればかり

Alternative writings: 此れ許り, 是許り, 此許り
Frequency:
1

only this; this much; indicating that something is limited to this amount or item.

NounUsually Kana

Examples

お金はこればかりしか持っていない。

I only have this much money.

こればかりは私の力ではどうにもならない。

This, at least, is beyond my power.

材料がこればかりでは、十分な料理は作れない。

With only these ingredients, you can't make enough food.

2

(this) small amount; such a paltry amount; only this much (emphasizing scarcity).

NounNoun Taking 'の'Usually Kana

Examples

給料はこればかりで生活するのは難しい。

It's hard to make a living on such a small salary.

お土産はこればかりで申し訳ない。

I'm sorry the souvenirs are only these few.

彼の貢献はこればかりでは評価しきれない。

His contribution cannot be fully appreciated by just this small part.

3

(used with a negative verb) not in the slightest; not at all; expresses complete negation in contexts like 'こればかりも〜ない'.

NounUsually Kana

Examples

思ったほど簡単では、こればかりもない。

It's not at all as easy as I thought.

子どものせいだけだとは、こればかりも言えない。

You can't entirely blame the children for that.

Word Relationships

Synonyms