How to say “that's all” in Chinese with 而已 (éryǐ)
Clause + 而已 (éryǐ)
而已 (ér yǐ) — that's all
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.
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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.
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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