Japatan
Formation
- N + ばかりか
- V普通形 + ばかりか
- いA普通形 + ばかりか
- なA + な + ばかりか
Explanation
It means "not only ~ but even ~"; the second part is something bigger or more surprising, often with も, まで or さえ. It is often used to pile up bad things, but can also be used for good things. It is less stiff than のみならず but still somewhat written; in conversation, 〜だけじゃなく sounds more natural.
Examples
彼は宿題を忘れたばかりか、教科書まで家に置いてきた。
Not only did he forget his homework, he even left his textbook at home.
この部屋は狭いばかりか、日も当たらない。
This room is not only small but also gets no sunlight.
リンさんは英語ばかりか、アラビア語まで話せるそうだ。
I hear Lin speaks not only English but even Arabic.
その店員は親切なばかりか、説明もとても分かりやすかった。
That clerk was not only kind but also explained things very clearly.
Notes
The second clause cannot be a command, request or volition (〜てください, 〜よう). It is a different pattern from Vたばかり (just did), so check for か.
Related grammar
Mini quiz
1雨が降ってきた（ ）、風まで強くなってきた。
Answer and explanation
Answer: 2 ばかりか
"Not only did it start raining, but the wind even got stronger." ばかりか adds a second bad thing, often with まで.
2「ばかりか」の使い方が正しい文はどれですか。
Answer and explanation
Answer: 4 佐藤さんは遅刻したばかりか、会議の資料も忘れてきた。
4 is correct: "Sato was not only late but also forgot the meeting materials." 1 ends in a request and 3 in volition, which are not allowed. 2 has the wrong form; it should be 静かなばかりか.
3この町は便利（ ）ばかりか、家賃も安い。
Answer and explanation
Answer: 1 な
"This town is not only convenient but also has low rents." Na-adjectives connect as な + ばかりか.
