zi2 paa3只怕

Jyutpingzi2 paa3

Yalejí pa

連詞Uncommon

Definition

I am afraid that; used to introduce a worry, drawback, or unfavorable turn of events.

colloquialdescriptionsother

How it's used

Used to introduce a reservation or a potential negative outcome that undermines an otherwise positive situation. It functions similarly to the English expression "I only fear that" or "the only problem is," often appearing after a positive assessment. It carries a tone of cautious concern rather than outright rejection.

Examples

keoi5佢hou2好cung1聰ming4明，zi2只paa3怕taai3太gwo3過laan5懶saan2散。

He is very clever, I only worry that he is too lazy.

ni1呢go3個gai3計waak6劃gei2幾hou2好，zi2只paa3怕mou5冇jan4人hang2肯zou6做。

This plan is quite good, I'm just afraid no one is willing to do it.

Common phrases

zi2只paa3怕taai2太ci4遲

only afraid it is too late

zi2只paa3怕mou5冇jan4人

only afraid that there is no one

Common mistake

Learners often confuse this with 怕, which simply means "to be afraid of." While 怕 can express fear of a specific object or action, 只怕 specifically introduces a logical contrast or a lingering doubt about a situation.