只是 (zhǐ shì) — (adverb) merely, only, just; (conjunction) but, however
Definition
只是 as an adverb means 'only / just' to downplay what follows (他只是开玩笑). As a conjunction it means 'but / however' and is softer than 可是 or 但是, often used to give an excuse or gentle correction.
adverb
merelyonlyjust
conjunction
buthowever
Examples
- 只是，。Wǒ zhǐ shì xiǎng kàn kàn, bù mǎi.I just want to take a look, not buy.
- ，只是。Tā hěn xiǎng gēn nǐ yì qǐ qù, zhǐ shì méi shí jiān.I'd like to go with you, but I don't have time.
- 只是，。Nǐ zhǐ shì bié shēng qì, tā kāi wán xiào de.Just don't get angry; he was joking.
Origin
Compound word构词法gòucífǎ
偏正piānzhèngModifier + head
The first part narrows down the second: it says what kind of thing the head is.
The sense of 只 meaning only combined with 是 meaning is narrows the statement to one point, often introducing a remaining fact or mild contrast.
Appears in
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