JLPT N2・N3 Grammar – Difference between “〜はもちろん” and “〜ばかりか”
Table of Contents
1. Difference between “〜はもちろん” and “〜ばかりか”
2. AはもちろんB
3. AばかりかB
4. Let’s Compare
5. Summary
6. Quiz
7. Similar Articles
8. Comment
Q: What is the difference between ”〜はもちろん” and ”〜ばかりか”?
A: Both are conjunctions used to indicate that the latter part of the sentence exceeds the former. However, there are subtle differences in how they are used.
AはもちろんB (JLPT N3)
[Meaning]
A is taken as a given, and B also applies
[Rule]
[N] Noun＋はもちろん
[Examples]
留学の前にひらがなとカタカナはもちろん、漢字もしっかり勉強したいです。
Before studying abroad, I want to study hiragana and katakana, of course, but also kanji thoroughly.
このカフェではコーヒーはもちろん、お菓子や食器も売っています。
At this café, they sell not only coffee, of course, but also sweets and tableware.
In A, a certain fact is stated, and in B, something that exceeds the degree of A is mentioned. A is something the speaker considers obvious or natural. Particles like も, まで, or さえ are often used with B.
[Examples]
日本の食べ物は、すしはもちろんそばも好きです。
When it comes to Japanese foods, I like sushi, of course, but I also like soba.
テストで合格するためには復習はもちろん予習も大切です。
In order to pass the test, review is important, of course, but so is preparation.
AばかりかB (JLPT N2)
[Meaning]
Not only A, but also B
[Rule]
[V] Verb plain form＋ばかりか
[A] い adjective＋ばかりか
[Na] な adjective＋ばかりか
な adjective＋である＋ばかりか
[N] Noun＋である＋ばかりか
[Examples]
風邪をひいたばかりかインフルエンザにもかかりました。
Not only did I catch a cold, but I also got the flu.
彼は立派な社員であるばかりか、週末はボランティアもしています。
He is not only an excellent employee, but he also does volunteer work on weekends.
“〜はもちろん” can often be replaced with “〜ばかりか,” but in the case of “〜ばかりか,” A typically describes something that is already significant, while B describes something that exceeds the degree of A. Similarly, particles like も, まで, and さえ are often used with B.
[Examples]
風邪をひいたばかりかインフルエンザにもかかりました。
Not only did I catch a cold, but I also came down with the flu.
⇒ Catching a cold alone is already serious, but the addition of getting the flu emphasizes the severity of the situation.
彼は立派な社員であるばかりか、週末はボランティアをして地域に貢献をしている。
He is not only an outstanding employee, but he also volunteers on weekends and contributes to the community.
⇒ Being an outstanding employee is impressive in itself, but the fact that he also volunteers highlights his exceptional nature.
Let’s Compare
Which One Fits Best in These Situations?
[Example]
“Recently, smartphones can not only take photos but also make payments.”
最近のスマホは写真撮影はもちろん、支払いもできる。
VS
最近のスマホは写真撮影ばかりか、支払いもできる。
Both are correct, but the difference lies in the speaker’s perspective.
For “〜はもちろん”, taking photos is seen as an obvious feature of smartphones.
For “ばかりか”, taking photos is already impressive, and the fact that smartphones can also make payments adds even greater value.
Let’s try another example:
[Example]
“He not only shows up late but also misses deadlines.”
彼は遅刻はもちろん仕事の期限さえ守りません。
VS
彼は遅刻ばかりか仕事の期限さえ守りません。
The correct answer is “〜ばかりか”.
In this case, being late is not obvious or acceptable. Both lateness and missing deadlines are significant issues, making “〜ばかりか” the appropriate choice.
Summary
[〜はもちろん]
- In the first clause, the speaker refers to something considered obvious or natural. The second clause mentions something that exceeds the first in degree.
- Particles like “も,” “まで,” or “さえ” are commonly used in the second clause.
[〜ばかりか]
- The first clause already expresses something significant. The second clause indicates something that exceeds the first in degree.
- Particles like “も,” “まで,” or “さえ” are often used in the second clause.
Quiz
Read the following sentence and choose the expression that fits the context from the options provided in the parentheses.
Click on the question to check the answer.
A. ばかりか
今日は遅刻したばかりか失敗もしました。
Not only was I late today, but I also made mistakes.
*Both situations are significant, so “ばかりか” is the correct choice.
A. ばかりか
薬を飲んでも治らないばかりかひどくなってきました。
Not only did the medicine not work, but my condition got worse.
*Both situations are significant, so “ばかりか” is the correct choice.
A. はもちろん
毎朝、そうじはもちろん洗濯もします。
Every morning, I not only clean but also do the laundry.
*Cleaning is stated as a basic task, so “はもちろん” is the correct choice.
A. はもちろん
このレストランは料理はもちろんデザートまでおいしいです。
At this restaurant, not only is the food delicious, but even the desserts are great.
*The food’s deliciousness is stated as a basic expectation, so “はもちろん” is the correct choice.
