只 (zhǐ) — only; just

只 (zhǐ)

只 narrows a statement to a single item, amount, or condition. It always sits before the verb or the element it restricts. Note: 只 is also a measure word for small animals (yī zhī māo — one cat), but that is a separate word with a different tone (zhī) and usage.

Meanings

1. [adv] Only; merely; just — limits quantity or scope.
2. [adv] Used in patterns 只有…才… (only if…then…) and 只要…就… (as long as…then…).

Example Sentences

我只有一个问题。 Wǒ zhǐ yǒu yī gè wèntí. I only have one question.

只有努力，才能成功。 Zhǐyǒu nǔlì, cái néng chénggōng. Only through hard work can one succeed.

只要你来，我就高兴。 Zhǐyào nǐ lái, wǒ jiù gāoxìng. As long as you come, I'll be happy.

他只吃蔬菜，不吃肉。 Tā zhǐ chī shūcài, bù chī ròu. He only eats vegetables; he doesn't eat meat.

Collocations

Memory Hook

Think of 只 as a spotlight: it shines on one thing and leaves everything else in the dark.