do nothing but, always be doing

Te-form plus ばかりいる criticizes that someone does one thing all the time to the exclusion of others. It carries a disapproving tone. It is common when complaining about habits.

Examples

• 弟おとうとはゲームをしてばかりいます。

  Otouto wa geemu o shite bakari imasu.

  My little brother does nothing but play games.

• 彼女かのじょは最近さいきん遊あそんでばかりいて、勉強べんきょうしません。

  Kanojo wa saikin asonde bakari ite, benkyou shimasen.

  Lately she does nothing but hang out and does not study.

Vocabulary in these examples

• 弟 younger brother
• する to do
• いる to exist (animate); to be
• 彼女 she, her
• 最近 recently, lately
• 遊ぶ to play; to have fun

Related patterns · Experience and habits

• 〜たことがある have done before (experience)
• 〜ことがある there are times when, sometimes
• 〜たばかり have just done