只管

• Pinyin: zhǐ guǎn
• Hanzi breakdown: 只 = 口 (mouth) + 八 (eight); 管 = 竹 (bamboo) + 官 (official)

Meaning

Just go ahead and; feel free to; simply (do something without worry).

An adverb encouraging someone to do something without hesitation or worry. Implies that the speaker will take care of any consequences or that there's no need to be concerned. Used to reassure or give permission.

Examples

1. 有什么需要只管开口，别不好意思。 If there's anything you need, just ask — don't be shy.
2. 你只管放心去做，出了问题我来负责。 Just go ahead and do it with confidence; if anything goes wrong, I'll take responsibility.
3. 这里是你家，只管当自己家一样。 This is your home — just treat it like your own.

Usage Guide

Context: reassurance, permission, encouragement

Tone: reassuring

Do Say

• 你只管说，不用担心。(Just speak up, don't worry.)
• 只管吃，我请客。(Just eat, it's my treat.)

Don't Say

• 我只管很累。(Incorrect — 只管 must be followed by a verb phrase)

Origin & History

Compound of 只 (only) and 管 (care about, manage). Literally 'only manage/care about (doing this)'.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal