只是

• Pinyin: zhǐ shì
• Hanzi breakdown: 只 = 口 (mouth) + 八 (eight); 是 = 日 (sun) + 疋 (foot/correct)

Meaning

Merely; just; it's just that. Used as an adverb meaning 'only' or 'merely,' or as a conjunction meaning 'but' or 'however.'

Has two main uses: (1) As an adverb, limits the scope of what follows, similar to 'merely' or 'just' in English. (2) As a conjunction, introduces a mild contrast or qualification, softer than 但是 or 可是. In the conjunction sense, it often introduces an exception or minor concern after a positive statement.

Examples

1. 我只是想问你一个问题。 I just want to ask you a question.
2. 这件衣服不错，只是有点贵。 This piece of clothing is nice — it's just a bit expensive.
3. 他不是不想去，只是太忙了。 It's not that he doesn't want to go; he's just too busy.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, conversation

Tone: mild

Do Say

• 我只是开个玩笑。(I was just joking.)
• 东西都好，只是价格有点高。(Everything is good, it's just that the price is a bit high.)

Don't Say

• 只是你必须马上走！(Don't use 只是 to introduce urgent commands — it implies a mild tone; use 但是 or 不过 for stronger contrasts)

Origin & History

只 (only) + 是 (to be). Together they limit a statement to 'only being,' hence 'merely' or 'it's just that.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal