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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing "only if" with 只有 (zhǐyǒu)

    HSK 4
    Condition

    Structure

    只有 + Condition, 才 + Result

    Explanation

    只有 (zhǐyǒu) means "only if" or "only when" and introduces a necessary condition for something to happen. It is typically paired with 才 in the result clause to emphasize that no other condition will suffice. This structure stresses exclusivity — the outcome depends entirely on the stated condition.

    Examples

    • 我只有一个妹妹。

      Wǒ zhǐ yǒu yí gè mèimei.

      I only have one younger sister.

    • 只有他知道答案。

      Zhǐ yǒu tā zhīdào dá'àn.

      Only he knows the answer.

    • 今天只有三个人来了。

      Jīntiān zhǐ yǒu sān gè rén lái le.

      Only three people came today.

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