だけ (dake)

Meaning & usage

だけ limits something to that amount or extent, meaning only or just. It attaches directly to nouns, to quantities like これ or それ, and to the plain form of verbs, as in かっただけ. In できるだけ it forms a set phrase meaning as much as possible.

Example sentences 8

1. うむ。これだけのことをされて、ブチキレないほうがおかしい。

   So. Having had all that done to him it would be stranger if he wasn't enraged.

2. メールをチェックしたかっただけ。

   I just wanted to check my email.

3. できるだけ安くあげようとした。

   I tried to make it as cheap as possible.

4. １３人？たったそんだけかよ。

   Just 13 people? That's all?

5. 来て下さるだけでいいのです。

   I just want you to come.

6. 来たのはメアリーだけだった。

   No one came except Mary.

7. ありがとう、それだけだよ。

   Thanks, that's all.

8. 言ってみただけだよ！

   I'm just saying!