ただ

ただ

"ただ" means "just," "only," or "free of charge" in English, depending on context.

In this usage, 'ただ' works as a conjunction meaning 'but', introducing a contrasting point.

彼の話は面白い、ただ、ちょっと長い。

His story is interesting, but just a bit long.

In this sentence, 'ただ' is used to emphasize 'only just' or 'just now', indicating the immediacy of the action.

ただ今家に戻りました。

I just returned home.

Here, 'ただ' means 'free of charge', referring to the fact that something does not require any payment.

この店のプレゼントはただです。

The presents in this store are free.