So what’s the difference? Both phrases have a negative connotation and both can be used to say there are (too) many of something.

The most important distinction is that だらけ refers to something is covered in many individual things, whereas ばかり suggests only one from many possibilities.

怪我して体が傷だらけだった。
To have an accident and be covered in bruises.

怪我して体が傷ばかりだった。
(Sounds unnatural—what else could you be covered in after an accident?).

You May Also Like

If I Only Had

JLPT N3. Used in both writing and conversation. さえ is a versatile particle that is used most commonly…

Not Worth Trying

JPLT N3. Used in both conversation and writing. 【Verb: Stem】ようがない 【Verb: Stem】ようもない よう is volitional ending for group…

What Should Be

This structure can also be seen with the verb “to become”. Here the meaning is that “it has…

I-Adjectives & Na-Adjectives

There are two types of adjectives in Japanese: i-adjectives and na-adjectives. The type of adjective is determined by…