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HSK 7

无非/不过/只不过/只是⋯⋯ 而已/罢了

无非/不过/只不过/只是⋯⋯ 而已/罢了 (It's just... that's all)

Explanation

These are phrases used to downplay, emphasizing that what is mentioned is just a simple thing, nothing major or special. They can be used interchangeably and are usually placed before '而已' or '罢了' to strengthen this tone. For example: '无非是他的借口罢了' (it's just his excuse, that's all) or '不过是想鼓励他而已' (I just wanted to encourage him, that's all). This structure helps the speaker express modesty, denial, or downplay the importance of a matter.

Examples

不要相信他，这无非是他的借口罢了。
búyàoxiāngxìntā，zhèwúfēishìtādejièkǒubàle。
我这么说没有其他意思，不过是想鼓励他而已。
wǒzhèmeshuōméiyǒuqítāyìsī，búguòshìxiǎnggǔlìtāéryǐ。
她会做这道题，只不过假装不会而已。
tāhuìzuòzhèdàotí，zhībúguòjiǎzhuāngbúhuìéryǐ。
大家都说爱情很快就会过去，剩下的只是习惯罢了。
dàjiādōushuōàiqínghěnkuàijiùhuìguòqù，shèngxiàdezhǐshìxíguànbàle。
【七–九083】以⋯⋯ 为⋯⋯
【qī–jiǔ083】yǐ⋯⋯wèi⋯⋯
我们不能以自己为中心，要考虑别人的感受。
wǒmenbùnéngyǐzìjǐwèizhōngxīn，yàokǎolǜbiéréndegǎnshòu。
她以和平为主题，创作了一部小说。
tāyǐhépíngwéizhǔtí，chuàngzuòleyíbùxiǎoshuō。
【七–九084】因⋯⋯ 而⋯⋯
【qī–jiǔ084】yīn⋯⋯ér⋯⋯
我经常看到他因一件小事而快乐的场景。
wǒjīngchángkàndàotāyīnyíjiànxiǎoshìérkuàilèdechǎngjǐng。
她胆子很大，不会因一些奇怪的声音而害怕。
tādǎnzǐhěndà，búhuìyīnyìxiēqíguàideshēngyīnérhàipà。

Learn “无非/不过/只不过/只是⋯⋯ 而已/罢了” effectively

The grammar point “无非/不过/只不过/只是⋯⋯ 而已/罢了” (无非/不过/只不过/只是⋯⋯ 而已/罢了 (It's just... that's all)) is one of the key structures at HSK 7. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.

Study tip: read the examples aloud many times to build a natural reflex. Then try making your own sentences for your own situations. Use the audio button to hear and practice accurate pronunciation.

You can also view the full “” lesson to understand the related grammar and vocabulary more deeply.

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