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只是
zhǐ shì
just / only / merely
我只是想帮忙。
I just want to help.
neutral
Used to indicate a minor or unimportant contrast after stating a fact or situation.
这只是一个小问题。
This is only a minor issue.
他只是开玩笑罢了。
He was just joking.
Often used to soften a statement or to indicate that something is not as significant as it might seem.
neutral
Used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or qualifies the previous one.
我会去，只是时间不太合适。
I will go, only the timing isn't quite right.
Emphasizes a limitation or exception to the previous statement.
neutral
Merely; nothing more than.
这只是个开始。
This is merely the beginning.
Used to emphasize that something is not more than what is stated.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Softening Statements
Use '只是' to make your statements sound more polite or less absolute. For example, '我只是想问一下...' (I just wanted to ask...) sounds gentler than '我想问...' (I want to ask...).
Gold Rule
Position in Sentence
'只是' typically appears at the beginning of a clause to introduce a contrast or qualification. It can also be placed after the subject for emphasis, e.g., '我只是累了。' (I'm just tired.)
Word Origin
The word '只是' is a combination of '只' (only, merely) and '是' (to be). '只' originates from Old Chinese '祇' (zhǐ), meaning 'only', while '是' comes from '實' (shí), meaning 'true' or 'correct'. The compound form emerged in Middle Chinese as a way to soften statements or introduce minor contrasts.
Usage Notes
'只是' is a versatile word that can function as both a conjunction and an adverb. It is often used in spoken Chinese to clarify or qualify a statement without contradicting it. Unlike '但是' (but), which introduces a stronger contrast, '只是' is milder and often used to downplay the importance of something.
Word Breakdown
只
only / merely
adverb是
to be / yes
verb汉英词典