soon after; then; merely; that's all
Meanings
2 senses · 8 examplesadverb
soon; shortly after; then; afterwards
literaryLiterary usage indicating that something happens shortly after a previous event. Often used to describe sudden transitions in time or sequences of events.
Suddenly thunder and lightning erupted, and shortly after, torrential rain poured down.
He was stunned at first, then burst into laughter.
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The spring thunder clapped suddenly, soon followed by a continuous drizzle.
They work at sunrise, and shortly after sunset, they rest.
particle
merely; only; that's all; nothing more than
literaryUsed at the end of a sentence to indicate limitation or to dismiss the importance of something, often implying 'that's all there is to it' or 'it's nothing significant.' Similar in function to 而已 but more literary.
It was merely a joke, why take it seriously?
This is merely a trivial matter, not worth mentioning.
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My coming here is merely to enjoy the scenery and amuse myself.
People are all confused by this, but in fact, it is merely a misconception.