Processing keyword: ～ばかりか (〜bakarika) ～も (mo)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～ばかりか (〜bakarika) ～も (mo)

～ばかりか (〜bakarika) ～も（も）

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we will learn the Japanese grammar point ～ばかりか (～bakarika) ～も, which is used to express "not only... but also..." in Japanese. Mastering this grammar structure will enhance your ability to emphasize additional information in both spoken and written Japanese.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• ～ばかりか ～も: Not only... but also... This structure is used to emphasize that not only is one thing true, but another thing (often unexpected or significant) is also true.

Usage

• Emphasizes an additional, often surprising fact.
• Highlights that the second point is either of equal or greater significance.

Structure

Formation Diagram

Examples of Formation

1. Verb Example
   彼は勉強するばかりか、アルバイトもしている。
   He not only studies but also has a part-time job.
2. い-adjective Example
   この店は安いばかりか、味もとても良い。
   This store is not only cheap but also the food tastes great.
3. な-adjective Example
   彼女は親切なばかりか、賢いもんだ。
   She is not only kind but also smart.
4. Noun Example
   彼は医者ばかりか、大学の教授もしている。
   He is not only a doctor but also a university professor.

3. Comparative Analysis

Let's compare ～ばかりか with similar grammar points to understand the nuances.

Comparison with Similar Expressions

Nuance Differences

• ～ばかりか adds emphasis and often conveys a sense of surprise.
• ～だけでなく is more neutral and widely used in both spoken and written Japanese.
• ～ばかりでなく is similar to ～だけでなく but slightly more formal.

4. Examples in Context

Formal Written

1. その研究は安全性が高いばかりか、コストも低い。
   That research is not only highly safe but also low in cost.

Formal Spoken

2. この製品は品質が優れているばかりか、デザインも素晴らしいです。
   This product is not only excellent in quality but also has a wonderful design.

Informal Spoken

3. 彼は歌が上手なばかりか、ダンスもできる。
   He can not only sing well but also dance.

Casual Written (e.g., blogs, social media)

4. 昨日は道に迷ったばかりか、財布までなくした。
   Yesterday, not only did I get lost, but I even lost my wallet.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Using ～ばかりか allows the speaker to emphasize additional information, which is useful in persuasive speech or writing.
• It reflects the Japanese communication style of building on ideas to make a point stronger.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• Suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
• Commonly used in academic writing, speeches, and formal presentations for emphasis.

Idiomatic Expressions

• ～ばかりか ～さえ: Not only... but even...
  Emphasizes an extreme addition.
  • Example:
    彼は自分のミスを認めないばかりか、人のせいにさえした。
    He not only didn't admit his mistake but even blamed others.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Incorrect Particle Usage
   • Incorrect: 彼は勉強するばかりか、アルバイトをしている。
   • Correct: 彼は勉強するばかりか、アルバイトもしている。

     Tip: Don't forget to use も/まで/さえ after the second clause to indicate "also/even".

2. Confusing with ～ばかり
   • ～ばかり means "just did" or "only".
   • Example:
     彼は食べたばかりだ。
     He just ate.

     Tip: Remember that ～ばかりか means "not only... but also...", whereas ～ばかり alone has different meanings.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device:
  Think of "ばかりか" as "bakari-KA?" (What? There's more?) to remind you that there's additional surprising information.
• Practice Tip:
  Create your own sentences using ～ばかりか, focusing on adding an unexpected second point.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～ばかりか ～も is used to express "not only... but also...".
• It emphasizes an additional, often surprising, piece of information.
• Can be used with verbs, adjectives, and nouns.
• Often followed by particles like も, まで, or さえ for emphasis.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What is the primary function of ～ばかりか ～も in a sentence?
2. Which particles commonly follow ～ばかりか to add emphasis?
3. Is ～ばかりか suitable for formal writing?

Answers

1. To express "not only... but also...", emphasizing an additional fact.
2. Particles like も, まで, or さえ.
3. Yes, it is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

By understanding and practicing ～ばかりか ～も, you'll be able to convey complex and emphatic ideas more effectively in Japanese. Try incorporating this grammar point into your daily conversations or writing!