adverb / conjunction HSK 3
only · alone · only if · only when
Meaning
只有 expresses limitation or exclusivity, meaning 'only' or 'nothing but.' It often appears in the pattern 只有...才... (only if...then...) to indicate that a condition is necessary for a result. When used alone before a noun or verb phrase, it emphasizes that something is the sole option or case.
Usage
Native speakers frequently use 只有 in conditional sentences with 才 to stress that a particular condition is required for an outcome. It can also stand alone to mean 'only' or 'merely.' 只有 is more formal than 只 and carries stronger emphasis on exclusivity. Common in both spoken and written Chinese.
Examples
- 01只有努力学习，才能考上好大学。, .Only by studying hard can you get into a good university.
- 02这个班只有十个学生。.This class has only ten students.
Characters
Common collocations
- 只有...才.........only if...then...
- 只有一个there is only one
- 只有这样only in this way
- 只有通过only through
Antonyms
Origin
Combination of 只 (only) and 有 (to have/exist), literally 'only having' or 'there is only,' which evolved to express exclusivity and necessary conditions.