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只是 (zhǐ shì): only, merely; but

Meaning & Stroke Order

HSK 3adverb, conjunction

Word info

Pinyin
Meaning: only, merely; but
Characters: 2
Part of speech: adverb, conjunction
HSK level: HSK 3

Full definitions

merely
only
just
nothing but
simply
but
however
merely
only
just
simply
but
however
it's just that (used to introduce a mild contrast or excuse)

Chinese explanation

表示限定范围，相当于“仅仅是”“不过是”，强调事情不复杂或不重要
也用于轻微转折，说明真实情况并非如此，如“我只是开玩笑”。

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Character breakdown

HSK 3

grain that has begun to ripen

HSK 1

to be (followed by substantives only)

Example sentences

I was just joking, don't be angry.

She is only a child, she doesn't know better.

This piece of clothing is pretty, but it's just too expensive.

I just want to know the truth, I mean nothing else.

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