Chinese Grammar Reference logo

    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing "that's all" with 而已 (éryǐ)

    Degree & Intensity
    Emphasis

    Structure

    只是 + Statement + 而已

    Explanation

    而已 (éryǐ) means "that's all" or "nothing more" and is a sentence-final particle used to downplay or minimize the significance of something. It often appears after 只是 (just/only) to emphasize that something is no big deal. It is placed at the very end of the sentence.

    Examples

    • 我只是开个玩笑而已。

      Wǒ zhǐshì kāi gè wánxiào éryǐ.

      I was just joking, that's all.

    • 别担心,只是小事而已。

      Bié dānxīn, zhǐshì xiǎo shì éryǐ.

      Don't worry, it's just a small matter.

    • 我只是随便看看而已。

      Wǒ zhǐshì suíbiàn kànkàn éryǐ.

      I'm just browsing casually.