只是
zhǐshì
In Chinese, 'just' is expressed as 只是 (zhǐshì).
只是 is used to state that something is only a certain thing and nothing more. It functions in two ways: as an adverb meaning 'only' and as a conjunction meaning 'it's just that…' when you are introducing a reason or an excuse.
Which one should you use?
The word 仅仅 can be used instead to express the meaning of 'merely' or 'only' in more formal or written contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
To emphasize the sense of 'nothing more' or 'merely', the phrase 只是 is often paired with the particle 而已 at the end of a sentence.
How do you pronounce it?
zhǐshì
Did you know?
- While 只是 expresses 'just', the character 止 originally depicted a foot, symbolizing a stop or a boundary.
- If you are using 'just' to mean 'fair' or 'just' in a legal sense, such as 'justice', you would never use 只是, but would instead use words like 公正 (gōngzhèng).
- If you want to say 'just now' to refer to a moment in the immediate past, you would not use 只是, but rather the temporal adverb 刚才 (gāngcái).
Examples in context
- 可能只是巧合。It could be just a coincidence.This sentence is useful for using 只是 to describe a coincidence.Tatoeba #5900173 by verdastelo9604, translation #2953038 by CK
- 我只是沒注意。I just wasn't paying attention.This sentence is useful for using 只是 to explain a lack of attention.Tatoeba #6101269 by verdastelo9604, translation #2374135 by CK
- 只是一场梦而已。It's just a dream.This sentence is useful for using 只是 to describe a dream.Tatoeba #505807 by GlossaMatik, translation #505809 by Alkrasnov
- 129 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Wei is checking on Zi Han who looks upset.
- 伟 Wei梓涵，妳怎麼了？Zǐhán, nǐ zěnme le?Zi Han, what is wrong?
- 梓涵 Zihan我只是有點累。Wǒ zhǐshì yǒudiǎn lèi.I am just a bit tired.
- 伟 Wei妳是不是生氣了？Nǐ shì bù shì shēngqì le?Are you angry?
- 梓涵 Zihan沒有，真的只是累了。Méiyǒu, zhēnde zhǐshì lèi le.No, I really am just tired.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
