Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 只有 | zhǐyǒu |
| 惟獨 / 惟独 | wéidú |
只有 is used as an adverb to mean 'only' or 'exclusively', indicating that something exists without others or anything further.
Which one should you use?
只有 is an adverb meaning 'only', whereas its related form 唯一 is an adjective meaning 'the sole' or 'the only one'. For expressing that someone or something is singularly superior or the best, you would use 獨一無二的 / 独一无二的 or 最好的.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In more formal or literary contexts, you may use 惟獨 / 惟独 to mean 'only' or 'solely'. In informal settings, the word 就 can also be used to express 'only'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When 只有 is used to express a necessary condition, it is frequently paired with 才 in the second clause of the sentence to create the 'only if… then…' structure.
How do you pronounce it?
zhǐyǒu
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often confuse 只 and 只有. While 只 modifies verbs or adjectives, 只有 is typically used to indicate the existence of a single thing or condition.
Did you know?
- The character 只 (zhǐ) can also be a measure word for animals, which can lead to confusion if a learner sees it used in a context involving birds or cats.
- While 只有 means 'only', the phrase 独一无二 literally translates to 'single one, no two', emphasizing that something is truly unique in the entire world.
- The word 只有 is often used to express a longing or a 'only you' sentiment in Mandopop songs, where it signifies that the person is the sole object of the singer's affection.
Examples in context
- 只有你懂我。You're the only one who understands me.This sentence uses 只有 to show a single person possessing an understanding.Tatoeba #5706109 by xjjAstrus, translation #2955059 by CK
- 我们只有茶水。We only have tea.This sentence uses 只有 to indicate the sole availability of a certain drink.Tatoeba #419713 by GlossaMatik, translation #419711 by CM
- 当时只有三人。There was only three people at that time.This sentence uses 只有 to state the specific number of people present.Tatoeba #9969112 by GlossaMatik, translation #11290520 by Aphima
- 只有一个选择 (zhǐ yǒu yī gè xuǎnzé)Only one option
- 只有他考试通过了 (zhǐ yǒu tā kǎoshì tōngguò le)Only he passed the exam
- 就你一个 (jiù nǐ yī gè)Only you (implying no one else)
- 就这些了 (jiù zhè xiē le)Only these (implying nothing more)
- 才明白 (cái míngbái)Only understand (implying after a certain point in time)
- 才可以走 (cái kěyǐ zǒu)Only can leave (implying after meeting a requirement)
- 129 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their plans for the weekend.
- 佳怡 Jiayi这个周末你打算做什么？Zhège zhōumò nǐ dǎsuàn zuò shénme?What do you plan to do this weekend?
- 俊杰 Junjie我只有周六有时间。Wǒ zhǐyǒu zhōuliù yǒu shíjiān.I only have time on Saturday.
- 佳怡 Jiayi那我们周六下午见面吧。Nà wǒmen zhōuliù xiàwǔ jiànmiàn ba.Then let's meet on Saturday afternoon.
- 俊杰 Junjie没问题，到时候见！Méi wèntí, dào shíhòu jiàn!No problem, see you then!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “only” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
