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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing only then or not until with 才 (cái)

    Condition
    Time Expressions

    Structure

    Condition + 才 + Verb

    Explanation

    才 indicates that something happens later than expected or only after a certain condition is met. It conveys the idea of "not until" or "only then," emphasizing delay or difficulty. Place 才 before the verb to stress that the action was hard-won or came after a wait.

    Examples

    • 我等了两个小时，他才来。

      Wǒ děng le liǎng gè xiǎoshí, tā cái lái.

      I waited for two hours before he finally came.

    • 她努力了很久，才通过了考试。

      Tā nǔlì le hěn jiǔ, cái tōngguò le kǎoshì.

      She worked hard for a long time before finally passing the exam.

    • 下了三天雨，今天才放晴。

      Xià le sān tiān yǔ, jīntiān cái fàngqíng.

      It rained for three days, and it finally cleared up today.

    Often Confused With

    Expressing only then or not until with 才 (cái) | Chinese Grammar