只有

zhǐyǒu

adverb HSK 3 #486

Meanings

1 only
2 only if
3 only when

Characters

to have; there is

Examples

HSK 1

我只有一个哥哥。

Wǒ zhǐyǒu yígè gēge.

I only have one older brother.

HSK 4

只有他知道答案。

Zhǐyǒu tā zhīdào dá'àn.

Only he knows the answer.

HSK 6

只有努力才能成功。

Zhǐyǒu nǔlì cáinéng chénggōng.

Only through effort can you succeed.

Tips

grammar

Key pattern: 只有...才... (only if... then...). 只有学习才能进步 (only by studying can you make progress). 才 is essential in this structure.

Stroke Order

只 zhǐ

有 yǒu