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How to say “only if” in Chinese with 只有 (zhǐyǒu)

只有 (zhǐyǒu) + Condition, 才 (cái) + Result

Expressing "only if" with "只有 (zhǐyǒu)"

HSK 3Conditional Statements

Rule structure

只有 (zhǐyǒu)… 才 (cái)… is a stronger conditional meaning "only if… then…" emphasizing the condition is the sole requirement.

Examples

只有你去，我才去。

Zhǐyǒu nǐ qù, wǒ cái qù.

Only if you go will I go.

Practice

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Frequently asked questions

How do you express “Expressing "only if" with "只有 (zhǐyǒu)"” in Chinese?

Use the structure: 只有 (zhǐyǒu) + Condition, 才 (cái) + Result. For example: 只有你去，我才去。 — “Only if you go will I go.”.

What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?

只有你去，我才去。 — “Only if you go will I go.”.

Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?

This grammar rule is part of HSK 3.

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