只不过
zhībúguòTraditional: 只不過
#1628 of 5,000 Core 5000
Translation
merely, only, just, no more than
Word origin
A fixed expression combining 只 (zhī, only), 不 (bù, not) and 过 (guò, to exceed), literally only not exceeding, hence merely or no more than.
- Origin
- compound
- Root
- 只 (zhī, only) + 不过 (búguò, no more than)
Stroke order
只
不
过
Examples
。
I was merely making a joke.
。
This is only a small problem.
。
He just wanted to help you, that is all.
。
I was only five minutes late.
。
This whole thing is no more than a misunderstanding.
只不过 (zhǐbúguò) means merely or only, downplaying something as nothing more than what follows. It is often paired with 而已 (éryǐ) at the end of the sentence for emphasis.
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Go to my review queueThis word is part of lesson 33.