Nothing but Meaning in English
expression
ˈnəθɪŋ/ /ˈbət
NUH-thing BUT
nˈʌθɪŋ/ /bˈʌt
NUTH-ing BUT
Definition
Used to emphasize that there is only one thing or type present, and nothing else; it means 'only' or 'just' something.
Usage & Nuances
Informal and common in speech and writing. Functions the same as 'only' or 'just', but with more emphasis. Often placed right before a noun or a verb phrase, e.g. 'nothing but trouble', 'nothing but cry'. Avoid using with negatives (don't say 'not nothing but...').
Spanish: nada más que - soloPortuguese (BR): nada além de - sóPortuguese (PT): nada além de - sóChinese (Simplified): 只是 - 仅仅是Chinese (Traditional): 只是 - 僅僅是Hindi: सिर्फ़ - केवलArabic: لا شيء سوى - فقطBengali: শুধু - কেবলRussian: только - исключительноJapanese: ただ～だけ - ～しかないVietnamese: chỉ - toàn làKorean: 오로지 - 단지Turkish: sadece - yalnızcaUrdu: صرف - فقطIndonesian: hanya - cuma
Example Sentences
He eats nothing but fruit.
basic
She wore nothing but a smile.
basic
There was nothing but water in the glass.
basic
After the meeting, I was left with nothing but questions.
natural
He talks about nothing but football all day.
natural
Trust me, it's nothing but trouble.
natural