Meaning
只是 means 'only' or 'merely' and is used to indicate limitation or contrast. It often softens a statement or introduces a mild objection or clarification, similar to 'it's just that' or 'but' in English. It can also emphasize that something is simple or not as significant as it might seem.
Usage
只是 appears frequently in both spoken and written Mandarin. It's commonly used to provide explanations, make excuses politely, or downplay something. Native speakers often use it before stating a problem or limitation: '很好，只是...' (It's good, it's just that...). It's more formal than 就是 in many contexts.
Examples
- 01我喜欢这个工作，只是工资有点低。, .I like this job, it's just that the salary is a bit low.
- 02他只是个孩子，不要对他太严格。, .He's only a child, don't be too strict with him.
Characters
Common collocations
- 只是...而已...it's only... that's all
- 不只是not only
- 只是因为it's only because
Origin
只是 combines 只 (only) with 是 (to be), literally meaning 'only is' or 'is only.' This construction has been used since classical Chinese to express limitation or mild contrast.