Decoded Slug: 只不过 (zhǐbùguò) - Merely, only
Mandarin Grammar Point
只不过 (zhǐbùguò) - Merely, only
只不过 (zhǐbùguò) - Merely, only
Short explanation:
Used to describe a fact or situation, downplaying its significance.
Formation:
只不过 + Statement
Examples:
她只不过是一个普通的女孩，但她有一颗善良的心。
Tā zhǐbùguò shì yīgè pǔtōng de nǚhái, dàn tā yǒu yī kē shànlìang de xīn.
She's just an ordinary girl, but she has a kind heart.
我们只不过是朋友，他不是我男朋友。
Wǒmen zhǐbùguò shì péngyǒu, tā bùshì wǒ nán péngyǒu.
We're just friends, he's not my boyfriend.
这只不过是一个小错误，没什么大不了的。
Zhè zhǐbùguò shì yīgè xiǎo cuòwù, méi shénme dàbùliǎo de.
This is just a minor mistake, it's not a big deal.
他只不过是开个玩笑，不要生气。
Tā zhǐbùguò shì kāi gè wánxiào, bùyào shēngqì.
He was just joking, don't get mad.
Long explanation:
The Mandarin Chinese phrase '只不过 (zhǐbùguò)' means 'merely' or 'only' and is most commonly used in negative responses or to emphasize the insignificance or simplicity of the situation. It can be used to make an event or fact seem less dramatic, serious, or important than it may have originally been perceived.