只是 zhǐshì merely
merely; only; just; nothing but; simply; but; however
How to remember 只是: 只 only + 是 is = merely.
Characters
How it is used
- 'Just / merely', playing down what precedes - 我只是问问 (wǒ zhǐshì wènwen) I'm only asking; 这只是开始 (zhè zhǐshì kāishǐ) this is just the beginning.
- Also a soft 'it's just that…' introducing a mild reservation: 挺好的，只是有点贵 (tǐng hǎo de, zhǐshì yǒudiǎn guì) it's nice, only a bit pricey.
- Gentler than 但是 (dànshì, but) when raising a small caveat.
Example sentences
- 我只是想要你来。 Wǒ zhǐshì xiǎngyào nǐ lái.I just want you to come.
- 你只是觉得他帅。 Nǐ zhǐ shì juéde tā shuài.You just think he's cute.
- 爸爸只是暂时离开。 Bàba zhǐshì zànshí líkāi.My father has just left temporarily.