无非（是）…
nothing more than; it simply comes down to
Structure
主语 无非（是） 有限的几种可能
What it means
Nothing more than; it simply comes down to: plays things down as “only this, nothing special”.
How it is built
Subject + 无非（是）+ the few options or the simple reason: 他这样说，无非是想引起大家的注意 (He says this simply to get everyone’s attention).
When to use it
Use it to cut something down to size, in speech or writing. Its written twin is 不外乎. It often leads into a short list: 无非有两种：要么…，要么….
Watch out
Don’t confuse it with 无不 (all without exception): ✗ 大家无非感动 ✓ 大家无不感动. 无非 plays things down; 无不 includes everyone.
Examples
两国的选择无非有两种：要么共处，要么对抗。
The two countries’ choices come down to two: coexist or confront.
他这样说，无非是想引起大家的注意。
He says this simply to get everyone’s attention.
Learn this in Lesson 107 · HSK 7–9: 中美关系与全球化 (China, America and globalisation)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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