Phrase (used in writing and formal speech only) (Intermediate ㊥ 271)
Something or someone is nothing more than what is stated in terms of amount, degree, status, significance, etc.
Equivalent: Nothing more than; not more than; mere; merely; only; just; as little/few as; that's all
| (i) Noun | に過ぎない | |
| 学生に過ぎない | Just a student | |
| (ii) Number+Counter | に過ぎない | |
| 五人に過ぎない | As a few as five people | |
| (iii) Vinformal(だけ) | に過ぎない | |
| 話している(だけ) に過ぎない | Someone is doing nothing but talking | |
| 話した(だけ) に過ぎない | Someone did nothing more than talk |
