Only in Chinese Explained: Usage, Grammar, and HSK

English uses one word for “only,” but Chinese expresses this idea through different grammar forms such as 只, 只有, 才, and 仅, depending on context and function. This guide explains how “only” works in Chinese sentences, highlights common usage patterns, and shows how these structures appear in HSK exams.

I. What Does “Only” Mean in Chinese?

In English, the word “only” is a multi-functional word. It can restrict a subject, limit a number or amount, create a conditional structure, or emphasize exclusivity. However, in Chinese, there is no single, universal equivalent for “only.” Some of the most commonly used Chinese words for “only” include:

• 只 (zhǐ): the most frequently used form, functioning as an adverb meaning “only” or “just”

• 仅 (jǐn) or 仅仅 (jǐnjǐn): more formal or literary synonyms of 只, often used in written language

• 只有 (zhǐyǒu): meaning “only if,” introducing conditional statements

• 才 (cái): meaning “only then” or “not until,” often used to mark a delayed or exclusive result

• 不过 (búguò): meaning “only” in the sense of “just” or “merely,” often softening a statement in spoken Chinese

Each of these words emphasizes a different aspect of “only,” and they are not interchangeable. For example, 只 can restrict a subject in a sentence, while 只有 must introduce a condition, and 才 marks a result that only happens after a strict requirement is met.

This variety can be confusing for learners who expect “only” to translate directly into one Chinese word. It’s important to remember that Chinese expresses meaning through sentence logic and structure—not always one-to-one word associations.

1. Common Ways to Say Only in Chinese

There are several ways to express “only” in Chinese, depending on what you want to emphasize: quantity, condition, exclusivity, or contrast. 

2. How to Use “Only” in Chinese Sentences

Once you understand that “only” in Chinese can be expressed in different ways, the next step is learning how to build accurate sentences using each word. 

Using 只 and 仅 to Express Restriction

These adverbs are used to limit the action or subject of the sentence, and they usually appear before the verb or noun being restricted.

Structure:

Subject + 只/仅/仅仅 + Verb / Noun Phrase

Examples:

• 我只吃素。
  I only eat vegetarian food.

• 他仅有三个朋友。
  He has only three friends.

• 我们仅仅讨论这个问题。
  We are only discussing this issue.

In tone, 只 is most common in daily use, while 仅 / 仅仅 are more likely found in formal writing or news articles.

只有…才… – Conditional “Only If” Structure

This is a classic two-part sentence pattern in Chinese showing that a certain result (才) only happens if a specific condition (只有) is met.

Structure:

只有 + condition, + 才 + result

Example:

• 只有你说实话，我们才会相信你。
  Only if you tell the truth will we believe you.

This pattern emphasizes necessity or exclusivity—without the condition, the result won’t happen. It's most commonly used in writing and upper-level HSK speaking tasks.

Using 才 to Emphasize “Only Then” or Delayed Outcome

Sometimes 才 appears on its own, without 只有, to highlight that something happened later than expected or only after another action occurred.

Structure:

Subject + (time or condition) + 才 + Verb

Examples:

• 他十岁才开始学钢琴。
  He didn’t start learning piano until he was ten.

• 我们吃完饭才走。
  We left only after eating.

Using 才 correctly helps elevate your fluency because it creates more natural sentence rhythm and reflects the logical flow of real communication.

II. “Only” in HSK and Chinese Exams

Understanding how “only” words are used in Chinese exams like HSK is important for both vocabulary building and sentence mastery. These words frequently show up in reading comprehension, listening tasks, and sentence construction—especially from HSK Level 2 and beyond.

Common “Only” Words in the HSK Vocabulary

How “Only” Structures Appear in the Exam

Reading Section

• You might encounter conditional statements:
  只有…才…
  Example in passage:
  只有天气好的时候，公园才有人。
  What it tests: Logic – Does the reader understand clause sequencing and necessity?

• 只 is often used in comparison or choices:
  他只喝咖啡，不喝茶。
  (He only drinks coffee, not tea.)

Listening Section

• You’ll need to recognize restricted statements, such as:
  我们只接受现金。
  (We only accept cash.)

• 才 after conditions or time expressions:
  他吃了两碗饭才觉得饱。
  (He only felt full after two bowls of rice.)

Writing Section (HSK 3–4)

• You might have to:

  • Combine two clauses using 只有…才…

  • Write sentences expressing exclusive conditions using 只

  • Choose between 就 and 才 to write logic-based answers

Common mistakes include:

• Omitting 才 after 只有

• Placing 才 in the wrong part of the sentence

• Using 只 in place of 只有 (causing logic confusion)

Learning where and how “only” is used in exams helps you target your grammar practice, spot logic relationships in reading and audio tracks, and express cause-effect accurately when speaking or writing. 

Above is the full guide by PREP on how to use “only” in Chinese—from everyday adverbs like 只 to conditional structures like 只有…才…. We hope this helps you choose the right word and build clearer, more natural sentences. Keep practicing with PREP to turn grammar into confident, real-world Chinese.