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Nothing more than; merely; just
Definition
The grammar pattern "V (ordinary form) / N + にすぎない" is used to downplay the importance or extent of something, indicating that it is 'only' what is stated and nothing more. This pattern is often used to convey a sense of limitation or restriction, and can be translated to English as 'nothing more than,' 'merely,' or 'just.' It is commonly used in situations where the speaker wants to emphasize that something is not more complex or extensive than what is stated.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| plain form | V (plain form) / N + にすぎない | 食べる (to eat) / 飲み物 + にすぎない (nothing more than a drink) |
| te form | V (te form) / N + にすぎない | 食べた (ate) / 飲み物 + にすぎない (nothing more than a drink) |
| ta form | V (ta form) / N + にすぎない | 食べた (ate) / 飲み物 + にすぎない (nothing more than a drink) |
Examples
これはまだ計画の段階にすぎない。
Kore wa mada keikaku no dōka ni sugirai nai.
This is still just a planning stage.
これはまだ (this is still), 計画の段階 (planning stage), にすぎない (nothing more than)
私はただ自分の義務を果たしたにすぎない。
Watashi wa tada jibun no gimu o hate shita ni sugirai nai.
I have merely fulfilled my duty.
私はただ (I have merely), 自分の義務を果たした (fulfilled my duty), にすぎない (nothing more than)
そのニュースは噂にすぎない、真実ではない。
Sono nyūsu wa uwasa ni sugirai nai, shinjitsu dewa nai.
That news is nothing more than a rumor, not true.
そのニュースは (that news), 噂にすぎない (nothing more than a rumor), 真実ではない (not true)
この映画はただの娯楽にすぎない。
Kono eiga wa tada no gūsetsu ni sugirai nai.
This movie is nothing more than entertainment.
この映画は (this movie), ただの娯楽に (nothing more than entertainment), にすぎない (nothing more than)
Context
This pattern is used to downplay the importance or extent of something, and is often used in situations where the speaker wants to emphasize that something is not more complex or extensive than what is stated. It is commonly used in formal writing and speech, and is a key pattern for JLPT N2 learners to master.
Watch out
～にほかならない is used to emphasize that something is not more complex or extensive than what is stated, whereas ～にすぎない is used to downplay the importance or extent of something.
The verb form used in ～にすぎない must be the ordinary form, not the polite form or the ta form.
～にすぎない does not mean 'surpass' or 'exceed', but rather 'nothing more than' or 'merely'.
Strategy
When using ～にすぎない in the JLPT N2 exam, be sure to use the correct verb form and to downplay the importance or extent of something. Avoid confusing it with ～にほかならない, and make sure to understand the correct meaning.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N2 test-style questions. Each sentence shows V (ordinary form) / N + にすぎない used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
これはまだ計画の段階にすぎない。
Pattern used: にすぎない
Downplays the current state, indicating it is just a plan and not yet a reality.
私はただ自分の義務を果たしたにすぎない。
Pattern used: にすぎない
Humbly states that the action was merely a duty and not something special.
そのニュースは噂にすぎず、真実ではない。
Pattern used: にすぎず
Indicates that the news is only a rumor and lacks actual substance.
Interactive
これはまだ計画の段階______。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.