AdverbsHSK 4
Using 才 for small numbers
才 can be placed before a number (with a measure word and noun) to emphasize that the quantity is small, conveying 'only' or 'just'. It is typically used when the number is less than expected. A common error is misplacing 才 after the number, which changes the meaning.
Structure
才 + Number + [Measure Word] + Noun
Examples
- 你才二十岁？Nǐ cái èr shí suì?You're only twenty?
- 这个班才两个学生。Zhè ge bān cái liǎng gè xué shēng.This class only has two students.
- 你的工资才两千？Nǐ de gōng zī cái liǎng qiān?Your salary is only two thousand?
- 这顿饭才二十块，太便宜了！Zhè dùn fàn cái èr shí kuài, tài pián yi le!This meal only cost twenty kuai. It's too cheap!
- 你才一百斤，还要减肥？Nǐ cái yì bǎi jīn, hái yào jiǎn féi?You're only 100 jin and you still want to lose some weight?