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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 èrshí suì?
    You're only twenty?
  • 这个班才两个学生。
    Zhège bān cái liǎng gè xuéshēng.
    This class only has two students.
  • 你的工资才两千？
    Nǐ de gōngzī cái liǎng qiān?
    Your salary is only two thousand?
  • 这顿饭才二十块，太便宜了！
    Zhè dùn fàn cái èrshí kuài. Tài piányi le!
    This meal only cost twenty kuai. It's too cheap!
  • 你才一百斤，还要减肥？
    Nǐ cái yī bǎi jīn, hái yào jiǎnféi?
    You're only 100 jin and you still want to lose some weight?

Words that use this