只不过 (zhǐ bù guò) — only; just; merely (used to introduce a limiting or concessive point)
Definition
A conjunction meaning 'it's just that...' — introduces a small exception or limiting point after a positive statement. Sets up a concession: 'X is fine, 只是/只不过 Y' softens the second clause as a minor drawback.
conjunction
onlyjustmerely (used to introduce a limiting or concessive point)
Examples
- ，只不过。Tā chéng jì hěn hǎo, zhǐ bù guò yīng yǔ chà yì diǎn.His grades are good — it's just that his English is a bit weak.
- ，只不过。Wǒ bú shì bù xiǎng qù, zhǐ bù guò shí jiān tài jǐn le.It's not that I don't want to go — it's just that time is too tight.
- ，只不过。Zhè bù diàn yǐng hái bú cuò, zhǐ bù guò jié wěi yǒu diǎn tū rán.This movie is pretty good, except the ending is a bit abrupt.
Appears in
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