modality N2 uncommon casualpolitewritten
〜だけ(のこと)だ — it's simply a matter of ~ / that's all
〜だけ(のこと)だ ・ だけ(のこと)だ
Builds on 〜だけ
Meaning
- it's simply a matter of ~ / that's all there is to it / one just has to ~ — frames something as nothing more than a single, simple action or fact, with no big deal attached
Key sentence
だめなら、また挑戦するだけのことだ。
If it doesn't work out, I'll just try again — that's all.
Formation
| Attaches to | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Verb (plain, usually dictionary form) | V(plain) + だけ(のこと)だ | 謝るだけのことだ |
Examples
文句があるなら、はっきり言うだけのことだ。
If you've got a complaint, just say it plainly — that's all it takes.
終わったことだ。あとは次に進むだけのことだ。
It's done. From here we simply move on, that's all.
Easily confused with
〜だけだ Plain だけだ limits to one thing ('only ~'). だけ(のこと)だ adds an attitude — 'and that's all there is to it, nothing to fuss over' — downplaying the matter. 〜だけましだ だけましだ finds a saving grace in a bad situation ('at least ~'). だけのことだ flattens something into a simple, no-big-deal matter ('just ~, that's all').
Notes
- The のこと is optional; including it strengthens the dismissive 'it's no big deal / as simple as that' tone. Often it answers a worry by reducing the response to one plain action.
See 〜だけ(のこと)だ in real sentences
Jengo shows 〜だけ(のこと)だ the way you actually meet it: inside real Japanese sentences, so it sticks instead of staying an abstract rule.
Study it in JengoSources Compiled with reference to A Dictionary of Advanced Japanese Grammar.