Translation guide
Expresses that something is limited to a certain amount or degree, and not beyond it. Common in Japanese with patterns like だけ, しか～ない, or にすぎない.
To say that something is only a certain amount, number, or degree, and nothing more.
Attaches to nouns, quantities, or clauses to mean 'only' or 'just'. Neutral and widely used.
I bought only three apples.
He knows no more than that.
Used with a negative verb to mean 'only' or 'no more than'. Emphasizes limitation, often with a nuance of insufficiency.
I have no more than 1000 yen.
He said no more than that.
Formal/literary pattern meaning 'no more than' or 'merely'. Often used to downplay something.
That is no more than a rumor.
Emphatic combination of だけ and しか〜ない, meaning 'only' or 'no more than'. Stronger limitation nuance.
There's no more than that left.
To say that something is only to a certain degree, not more.
Also used with adjectives or verbs to limit degree. 'Only as much as'.
Take no more than you need.
Used in comparisons to mean 'not as much as' or 'no more than'. Often with くらい/ぐらい.
He is no taller than that.
To respond that there is nothing more to say or add.
Both mean 'only', but だけ is neutral while しか〜ない often implies the amount is less than expected or insufficient. だけ can be used in positive sentences, しか〜ない requires a negative verb.
I only drank water. (neutral)
I drank nothing but water. (maybe I wanted something else)
Avoid directly translating 'no more than that' word-for-word. Use the patterns above depending on context. For example, 'それ以上ではない' is not natural for most cases.
他に何か？ いや、それだけ。
Anything else? No, that's all.