只
是

About

The word "只是" is formed by directly combining the character "只", which conveys "only" or "just", with "是", which means "is" or "to be", resulting in a compound that literally implies "it is only" and serves as a conjunctive or adverbial unit meaning "but", "however", or "merely", typically used to introduce a limitation or contrast within a statement.

Example Sentences Hide

我只是想帮忙。

Wǒ zhǐshì xiǎng bāngmáng.

I just want to help.

这只是一个开始。

Zhè zhǐshì yīgè kāishǐ.

This is just a beginning.

他迟到只是因为他病了。

Tā chídào zhǐshì yīnwèi tā bìng le.

He was late only because he was sick.

我只是建议，决定权在你。

Wǒ zhǐshì jiànyì, juédìngquán zài nǐ.

I'm just suggesting; the decision is up to you.

虽然他很努力，只是运气不好，所以没有成功。

Suīrán tā hěn nǔlì, zhǐshì yùnqì bù hǎo, suǒyǐ méiyǒu chénggōng.

Although he worked hard, but he was just unlucky, so he didn't succeed.

Word Definition - 只是

zhǐ shì merely; only; just; nothing but; simply; but; however

Individual Character Details

只 zhī, zhǐ, zhǐ, zhī, zhǐ, zhī
是 shì, shì