Decoded Slug: 只不过 (zhǐ bùguò) - Merely, simply
Mandarin Grammar Point
只不过 (zhǐ bùguò) - Merely, simply
只不过 (zhǐ bùguò) - Merely, simply
Short explanation:
Used to express that something is merely or simply the case and no more than what is stated.
Formation:
只不过 + Statement
Examples:
这只不过是一个小误会，没必要大惊小怪的。
Zhè zhǐ bùguò shì yīgè xiǎo wùhuì, méi bìyào dàjīngxiǎoguài de.
This is merely a small misunderstanding, there's no need to make a big deal out of it.
他只不过是个小职员，没有什么决定权。
Tā zhǐ bùguò shì gè xiǎo zhíyuán, méiyǒu shé me juédìng quán.
He is merely a small employee, he does not have any decision-making power.
只不过是我吃了一块蛋糕，你不必如此生气。
Zhǐ bùguò shì wǒ chīle yī kuài dàngāo, nǐ búbì rúcǐ shēngqì.
I merely ate a piece of cake, you don't have to be so angry.
他只不过想早点回家，休息一下。
Tā zhǐ bùguò xiǎng zǎodiǎn huí jiā, xiūxí yīxià.
He simply wants to go home earlier to rest.
Long explanation:
'只不过 (zhǐ bùguò)' in Mandarin Chinese is used to convey that a particular situation, condition, or result is merely or simply the case, and there is nothing more than what has been stated. It often underplays the severity or importance of the situation or indicates an alternative perspective.
