而
ér
And, but, while
How to say “that's all” in Chinese with 而已 (éryǐ)
Clause + 而已 (éryǐ)
而已 (ér yǐ) — that's all
HSK 5Sentence Patterns
Clause + 而已 (éryǐ)
HSK 5Sentence Patterns而已 (ér yǐ) — that's all
Rule structure
而已 (éryǐ) is a formal/classical particle meaning "that’s all, merely". It downplays the importance of the statement. Often paired with 只是 (zhǐ shì).
Rule structure
而已 (éryǐ) is a formal/classical particle meaning "that’s all, merely". It downplays the importance of the statement. Often paired with 只是 (zhǐ shì).
Examples
我只是开玩笑而已。
Wǒ zhǐshì kāi wánxiào éryǐ.
I was just kidding, that’s all.
Examples
我只是开玩笑而已。
Wǒ zhǐshì kāi wánxiào éryǐ.
I was just kidding, that’s all.
Practice
Build the sentence
Drag the characters to put them in the correct order
Characters
Words from this rule
Frequently asked questions
How do you say “that's all” in Chinese with 而已?
Use the structure: Clause + 而已 (éryǐ). For example: 我只是开玩笑而已。 — “I was just kidding, that’s all”.
What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?
我只是开玩笑而已。 — “I was just kidding, that’s all”.
Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?
This grammar rule is part of HSK 5.
Tomyo
Learn Chinese grammar with smart reviews
Grammar explanations, exercises and spaced repetition — all in one app.
More HSK 5 grammar rules
有关的 — related to…
跟 (gēn) / 和 (hé) / 与 (yǔ) + Noun + 有关的 (yǒuguān de) + Noun
不但…甚至连 — not only… even…
不但 (búdàn) + Clause 1, 甚至 (shènzhì) + 连 (lián) + Noun + 都 (dōu)/也 (yě) + Verb
所 — so-called
所谓 (suǒwèi) + Noun Phrase
一面 — simultaneous actions
一面 (yímiàn) + Verb 1, 一面 (yímiàn) + Verb 2
等于 — equal to
A + 等于 (děngyú) + B
更不用说 — let alone
⋯⋯，更不用说 (gèng bùyòng shuō)⋯⋯
别说 — let alone
别说 (biéshuō)⋯⋯，就是 (jiùshì)⋯⋯
难怪 — no wonder
Reason，怪不得 (guàibude) / 难怪 (nánguài) + Observation