zi2 si6只是
Jyutpingzi2 si6
Yalejí sih
Definition
But; only; except that.
writtencommunication
How it's used
Although 只是 is understood in Cantonese, it is heavily influenced by written Chinese and Mandarin. In natural spoken Cantonese, speakers almost always prefer using 不過 or 但係 instead. Using 只是 in casual conversation can make you sound like you are reading from a textbook or a formal script.
Examples
I want to go watch a movie, but I have no money.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often use 只是 because it is a direct translation of 'but', but it sounds unnatural in everyday speech. Rely on 不過 or 但係 to sound more like a local.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
