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VocabJLPT N3

just barely

な-Adjectiveの-AdjectiveNounAdverb

Definitions

1. just barely
2. only just

This adverb describes a situation that is just barely within limits, with almost no margin to spare. It conveys a sense of cutting it extremely close, such as arriving just in time or passing a test by the narrowest possible margin.

Example sentences

Sentence 1

Isn't that just barely a passing grade? Isn't that cutting it close?

Sentence 2

This bridge is so narrow that cars can barely pass each other.

Sentence 3

"We're running on the bare minimum over here," the team said.

Sentence 4

My friend was bragging about "barely waking up in time" — like, what?

Sentence 5

Wait, if we leave now, will we actually make it in time?