How to Say ‘It's only just started.’ in Japanese
まだ始まったばかりですよ。
mada hajimatsu ta bakari desu yo
[mada hajimat ta bakari desu yo]
💬 Usage Tip: [まだ〜ばかり] is a useful combo for "it's only just..." as in [まだ始まったばかり]. You can swap in other verbs: [まだ会ったばかり] "we only just met."
Phrase Breakdown
まだ
mada
[mada]
still; not yet
Suggests there is more time ahead; useful for keeping a relaxed, playful mood.
まだ帰るには早いですよ。
It’s still too early to go home, you know.
始まったばかり
hajimatsu ta bakari
just started; only just begun
Indicates that something has started very recently.
会議は始まったばかりです。
The meeting has just started.
Words in this phrase
始まっ
hajimatsu
[hajimat]
started
The beginning of something. In this line, it refers to the night or the interaction just beginning.
楽しい時間は今始まったところです。
The fun time has just begun.
た
ta
[ta]
past tense marker
Completes the verb phrase to show the start has already happened.
会話が始まっただけで、もう笑っています。
Our conversation just started, and we’re already laughing.
ばかり
bakari
[bakari]
just; only just
Shows that something happened recently, giving the feeling that there is much more to come.
今夜は始まったばかりで、これからですよ。
Tonight has only just started; the rest is from here.
ですよ
desu yo
you know; I’m telling you; it is
Adds emphasis or reassurance to the statement in a friendly way.
まだ早いですよ。
It's still early, you know.
Words in this phrase
です
desu
[desu]
is
Polite form used to keep the tone smooth and conversational.
まだいい時間です。
It’s still a good hour yet.
よ
yo
[yo]
you know; emphasis
Adds light emphasis, often sounding encouraging or gently teasing.
そんなに急がなくていいですよ。
You don’t need to rush that much, you know.
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