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只有 (zhǐ yǒu) — only if, only when (used with 才 to indicate a necessary condition)

Definition

只有 + condition pairs with 才 to mark a necessary condition: "only if / only when". Unlike 除非 (unless), it states the single sufficient path, not an exception. 别 confuse with 只是 (merely/just).

conjunction
only ifonly when (used with 才 to indicate a necessary condition)

Examples

  • 只有，。
    zhǐ yǒu Nǔ lì xué xí, cái néng qǔ dé hǎo chéng jì.
    Only by studying hard can you get good grades.
  • 只有，。
    zhǐ yǒu Nǐ qīn zì lái, wǒ cái huì xiāng xìn.
    Only if you come in person will I believe it.
  • 只有，。
    zhǐ yǒu Jiān chí duàn liàn, cái néng bǎo chí jiàn kāng.
    Only by persisting in exercise can you stay healthy.

Grammar

Appears in
HSK 3.0 Level 31000 Most Frequent Chinese Words2000 Most Frequent Chinese Words3000 Most Frequent Chinese Words5000 Most Frequent Chinese Words

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