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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.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
偏正piānzhèngModifier + head

The first part narrows down the second: it says what kind of thing the head is.

只zhīonly
能néngable

The sense of 只 meaning only combined with 能 meaning able leaves only one way to act, so there is no other choice.

Characters in this word

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

只 shows air coming out of a mouth, for a word used in speech.

Open 只 →

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

能 is an old picture of a bear, showing two paws and a face with an open mouth.

Open 能 →
Appears in
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