Meaning & usage
Tada expresses that something is limited to one thing, reason, or action, with no other element involved. It is placed before a verb or whole clause as ただ, and before a noun as ただの, including fixed phrases like ただ一人 and ただ一つ. It often pairs with だけ or ばかり to stress exclusivity, as in ただ泣くばかりだった. It is neutral and common in everyday conversation as well as writing.
Example sentences 4
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ワインじゃないよ。ただのグレープジュースだよ。
It's not wine. It's just grape juice.
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彼は母親の死の知らせを聞くと、ただ泣くばかりだった。
He did nothing but weep when he heard of his mother's death.
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私はただその事実をあなたに知らせに来ただけだ。
I merely came to inform you of the fact.
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彼は私の生きているただ一人の親類だ。
He is my only living relative.
In past JLPT papers
This came up in 1 past exam question.
