chẳng qua

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The Vietnamese phrase "chẳng qua" is used to express the idea of "only," "just," or "that is all there is to it." It often implies that there is no more to the situation than what is being mentioned.

Usage Instructions:

• "Chẳng qua" is typically placed at the beginning of a clause to clarify that the following statement is simple or straightforward.
• It is often used to downplay a situation or to explain that an action or event has a simple reason.

Examples:

1. Chẳng qua là một lời nói đùa.

   • Translation: "It was only a joke."
   • This example shows that the speaker wants to clarify that there is no serious meaning behind what was said.

2. Chẳng qua vì không hiểu nên mới làm sai.

   • Translation: "It was only because he did not understand that he did it wrong."
   • Here, the speaker emphasizes that the mistake was due to a lack of understanding, nothing more.

Advanced Usage:

In more complex sentences, "chẳng qua" can also be used to provide context or reasons for actions in a nuanced way. For instance: - Chẳng qua là do áp lực công việc nên tôi mới không đến được. - Translation: "It was only because of work pressure that I couldn't come." - This sentence shows that the reason for not attending is straightforward and not due to any other complexities.

Word Variants:

• "Chỉ" is a synonym that can be used similarly in some contexts, meaning "only" or "just."
• "Chẳng hạn" means "for example," and while not a direct variant, it is related in that it can introduce examples that clarify a point.

Different Meanings:

While "chẳng qua" primarily means "only" or "just," it can also imply a sort of dismissal of something as being insignificant or not worth worrying about.

Synonyms:

• "Chỉ" (only)
• "Chỉ là" (just is)
• "Đơn giản là" (it is simply)

Academic

1. Only, just, that is all there is to it
   • chẳng qua là một lời nói đùa
     it was only a joke, it was a joke, that was all there was to it
   • chẳng qua vì không hiểu nên mới làm sai
     it was only because he did not understand that he did it wrong