Indicates that nothing else is involved; only, merely, nothing but (often used to emphasize or complain).
子供はお菓子ばかり食べている。
The child eats nothing but sweets.
彼は文句ばかり言っている。
He does nothing but complain.
今日ばかりは特別に許そう。
Only for today I'll make an exception.
Indicates an approximate amount or time; roughly, about (similar to くらい/ぐらい).
ここから駅まで歩いて10分ばかりだ。
It's only about a 10-minute walk from here to the station.
参加者は百人ばかり集まった。
About a hundred participants gathered.
１時間ばかり待ったが、彼は来なかった。
I waited for about an hour, but he didn't come.
Indicates that an action has just finished; used after the past (-ta) form to mean 'has just (done)'.
今帰ったばかりだ。
I just got home.
食べたばかりでお腹がいっぱいだ。
I just ate, so I'm full.
電車が出たばかりで次はかなり先だ。
The train just left; the next one is quite a while away.
Indicates being on the verge of something; as if to, about to — often used in set phrases like 〜とばかりに or 〜んばかり.
彼は怒って出て行くとばかりにドアをバンと閉めた。
He slammed the door as if to say he was leaving in anger.
彼女は何も言わずに、泣き出さんばかりの表情をしていた。
She had an expression as if she were about to burst into tears.
Used to emphasize or convey a strong attitude, often in the form 〜とばかりに (e.g. 'as if to say ...').
彼女はそれが当然だとばかりに高慢に笑った。
She laughed haughtily as if that were only natural.
彼はため息をつき、行けと言わんばかりに手を指した。
He sighed and pointed, as if to say ‘go’.
Indicates that something happens continually or repeatedly; always, constantly (e.g. doing nothing but ...).
子供は遊んでばかりいる。
The child is always playing.
彼女は遅刻ばかりして先生に怒られた。
She was constantly late and got scolded by the teacher.
彼は愚痴ばかり言っているので誰も相手にしない。
He does nothing but grumble, so no one pays attention to him.