Translation guide
Expressing that something is limited to just one thing, with no others included.
The speaker wants to emphasize that only one thing is involved, excluding everything else.
Literally 'only this'. Used when pointing to or referring to a single thing, often with a sense of 'this and nothing else'.
必要なのはこれだけです。
All I need is only this.
Means 'there is nothing but this'. Strongly emphasizes that only this exists or is available.
残っているのはこれしかない。
Only this is left.
Formal/literary way to say 'only this'. Often used in written instructions or official contexts.
提出するのはこれのみです。
Only this is to be submitted.
Implies 'nothing but this', often with a nuance of 'always this' or 'only this (and I'm tired of it)'.
最近はこればかり食べてる。
Lately I've been eating only this.
The speaker wants to assert that something is the sole thing under consideration, often in contrast to other possibilities.
Pattern meaning 'just/only ~'. ただ adds emphasis to the limitation.
ただこれだけが真実だ。
Only this is the truth.
Means 'limited to ~'. Used to state that something is the best or only option.
選択肢はこれに限る。
The only choice is this.
English 'only' can be translated in many ways depending on context. Using だけ (dake) is common, but しか〜ない (shika~nai) is stronger and requires a negative verb form. Be careful not to use ただ (tada) alone without だけ or a similar word.