だけ (dake)

Meaning & usage

だけ marks a limit meaning only or no more than that, used to downplay an action or amount like speaking a little French or watching without buying. It follows nouns, amounts like 少しだけ, and plain verbs or adjectives in forms like 見ているだけ and 書けばいいだけ. In the pattern できるだけ with an adjective, adverb or verb phrase, it means as much as possible, as in できるだけ早く. It is neutral and common in conversation, but place it directly after the limited word since moving it changes the meaning.

Example sentences 5

1. 少すこしだけフランス語ごが話はなせます。

   I can speak French a little.

2. できるだけ多くの物を見に行きましょう。

   Let's go and see as many things as we can.

3. できるだけ早く家に帰ります。

   I'll be home as soon as I can.

4. ただ見ているだけです。

   I'm just looking.

5. ここに名前と住所を書けばいいだけだよ。

   All you have to do is to write your name and address here.