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而已 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
而已
éryǐ
that's all
HSK 7, y, 9 strokes, rank #613, Very Hard
而已
éryǐ
nothing more
HSK 7, y, 9 strokes, rank #613, Very Hard
éryǐ(er2yi3)er yi T2
1that's all
2nothing more
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March 24, 2026
而已éryǐ(er2yi3)
而已 is a phrase used to indicate that something is limited or trivial, often translated as 'that's all' or 'nothing more'. It is commonly used to downplay a statement or situation, suggesting that there is no need for further elaboration. You might use it in contexts where you want to emphasize simplicity or modesty.
Strokes9Frequency#613DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, modesty is highly valued, and using 而已 can reflect humility in communication, suggesting that one does not wish to overstate their achievements or situation. It is often used to avoid appearing boastful.
Memory tip
Think of 而 (ér) as a bridge connecting thoughts, and 已 (yǐ) as a finish line, symbolizing that what comes before is simply a bridge to what follows – and that it's just 'that's all' at the end. Imagine a conversation where someone is explaining something and then simply says, 'And that's it, nothing more!'
Meanings of 而已
éryǐ(er2yi3)
1that's all
2nothing more
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 而已
而已Simplified
9Strokes
—Radical
语气词yǔqìcímodal particle (mod.part.)Part of Speech
#613Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2
Podcast: 而已
Podcast: 而已
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AI study notes for 而已
Usage Notes
Learners often misuse 而已 by placing it incorrectly in sentences. It typically follows the main clause and should not be confused with other phrases like 只是 (zhǐ shì) which means 'only'. Be mindful of the tone: it is often used in a slightly informal context to express simplicity.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 而已 is a good expression to know for nuanced conversations. Students should focus on how it fits into phrases and its role in softening statements. Connecting it with other words that express limitation or simplicity will enhance understanding.
Common Mistakes
Learners often forget to place 而已 at the end of a sentence, leading to confusion. For example, saying '我喜欢这个而已' (Wǒ xǐhuān zhège ér yǐ) is incorrect; it should be '我喜欢这个, 而已' (Wǒ xǐhuān zhège, ér yǐ).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 而已
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而已 is a phrase used to indicate that something is limited or trivial, often translated as 'that's all' or 'nothing more'. It is commonly used to downplay a statement or situation, suggesting that there is no need for further elaboration. You might use it in contexts where you want to emphasize simplicity or modesty.
When to use 而已
Learners often misuse 而已 by placing it incorrectly in sentences. It typically follows the main clause and should not be confused with other phrases like 只是 (zhǐ shì) which means 'only'. Be mindful of the tone: it is often used in a slightly informal context to express simplicity.
What learners get wrong
Learners often forget to place 而已 at the end of a sentence, leading to confusion. For example, saying '我喜欢这个而已' (Wǒ xǐhuān zhège ér yǐ) is incorrect; it should be '我喜欢这个, 而已' (Wǒ xǐhuān zhège, ér yǐ).
Write 而已
而
已
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Grammar patterns of 而已
而已 functions as a grammatical particle — it carries no standalone meaning but signals a grammatical relationship. Particles attach to specific positions in the sentence (clause-final 吗/吧/呢, post-verbal 了/过/着, post-noun 的) and rarely move. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
