JLPT N2 Grammar: Bakari ka. Meaning, Usage, and How It Differs from “Not Only”

What Does “Bakari ka” Mean?

“Bakari ka” is a JLPT N2 grammar pattern used when one thing alone is already enough to make an impression, and then something else is added on top of it.

It expresses the idea:

“not only …, but also …”
“far from just …, even …”

The key point is that the first part already feels strong, surprising, or noteworthy, and the second part adds even more to that impression.

Because of this, “bakari ka” often sounds stronger and more emphatic than a simple “and also.”

Structure

Verb plain form + bakari ka
I-adjective + bakari ka
Na-adjective stem + na bakari ka
Noun + bakari ka

In the second part of the sentence, words like “also” or “even” are often used to make the added meaning clearer.

Example Sentences

This restaurant is not only delicious, but the service is also very polite.

That student can not only read kanji, but also understand difficult newspaper articles.

This smartphone is not only expensive, but its battery life is not very good either.

He was not only late for our appointment, but he did not even contact me.

That town is not only cold in winter, but it also gets so much snow that traveling is difficult.

Not only my younger sister, but even my parents were against the plan.

How Is It Different from “Not Only”?

“Bakari ka” is similar to expressions like “not only” or “not just,” but it has a slightly stronger nuance.

“Not only” can be neutral and simply add another point.

“Bakari ka,” however, often suggests:

“that alone is already enough, and on top of that…”
“it is even more than expected”

Compare these two sentences:

This teacher’s explanations are easy to understand, and the lessons are interesting too.
This teacher’s explanations are easy to understand, and on top of that, the lessons are also interesting.

The second version feels more emphatic. It gives a stronger sense that the second point adds even more value to the first.

Important Notes

“Bakari ka” is used to layer facts or evaluations.
Because of that, the two parts of the sentence should be naturally connected.

It is also not normally used with commands, requests, or invitations in the second part.

For example:

This shop is not only cheap, so let’s go there.

This sounds unnatural, because “bakari ka” is meant to add information or evaluation, not to lead into a suggestion.

Common Usage Patterns

“Bakari ka” can be used when positive things are added together:

This app is not only easy to use, but its design is also very clear.

It can also be used when negative things pile up:

He not only forgot the task, but even lost an important document.

In real usage, it is especially common when the speaker wants to show that the situation became worse, bigger, or more surprising than expected.

JLPT Tip

In the JLPT, “bakari ka” may appear together with similar expressions.

When choosing the correct answer, check these points:

Is the first point already strong enough on its own?
Does the second point add something more?
Does the sentence feel emphatic or somewhat surprising?

If the sentence has the feeling of:

“as if that was not enough, there is more”

then “bakari ka” is often a good fit.

Summary

“Bakari ka” is an N2 grammar pattern meaning:

“not only that, but also…”
“far from just that, even…”

It is similar to “not only,” but it often carries a stronger sense of emphasis, surprise, or added evaluation.

If you learn it together with natural example sentences, it becomes much easier to recognize and use in both grammar questions and reading passages.

If you want to improve your JLPT grammar through real practice, try RJT’s free questions.
You can study vocabulary, grammar, reading, and listening in one place.

Try JLPT practice questions for free
https://rapid-jt.com/