只能 (zhǐ néng) — can only (expressing limitation or single option); to have no choice but to
Definition
只能 frames limitation as the only option available ('can only'), while 只好 and 不得不 emphasize being forced with no real choice. Use 只能 when circumstance restricts the action; use 只好 for reluctant acceptance.
phrase
can only (expressing limitation or single option)to have no choice but to
Examples
- ，只能。Wǒ jīn tiān méi yǒu qián, zhǐ néng zài jiā chī fàn.I have no money today, so I can only eat at home.
- ，只能。Shí jiān tài wǎn le, nǐ zhǐ néng míng tiān zài lái.It's too late, you can only come again tomorrow.
- ，只能。Tā bù xiǎng zuò, dàn zhǐ néng tóng yì wǒ men de jì huà.He doesn't want to do it, but he has no choice but to agree to our plan.
Appears in
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