zi2 bat1 gwo3只不過只不过

Jyutpingzi2 bat1 gwo3

Yalejí bāt gwo

副詞Very common

Definition

Only, merely, or just; used to downplay something as minor or insignificant.

colloquialdescriptions

How it's used

Use this to downplay the significance of an event or action, often to soothe someone or explain away a minor issue. It carries a slightly defensive or explanatory tone, suggesting that the situation is not as serious as the listener might think. It is frequently paired with the particle 啫 to emphasize that the scope of the action is limited.

Examples

keoi5佢zi2只bat1不gwo3過hai6係gong2講siu3笑ze1啫，m4唔hou2好nau1嬲laa1啦。

He was merely joking, don't be angry.

ngo5我zi2只bat1不gwo3過soeng2想man6問haa6下lou6路，dim2點gaai2解nei5你gam3咁ok3惡？

I only wanted to ask for directions, why are you so mean?

Common phrases

zi2只bat1不gwo3過hai6係

it is merely

Common mistake

Learners often confuse this with 淨係, but they are not always interchangeable. While 淨係 focuses on the exclusivity of an action, 只不過 emphasizes the triviality or limited nature of the situation.