How to say “only” in Chinese with 只 (zhǐ)
Subj. + 只 (zhǐ) + Verb + Obj.
Expressing "only" with "只 (zhǐ)"
Subj. + 只 (zhǐ) + Verb + Obj.
HSK 3AdverbsExpressing "only" with "只 (zhǐ)"
Rule structure
只 (zhǐ) is an adverb meaning "only" or "just," placed before the verb to restrict the scope of the action to one thing.
Rule structure
只 (zhǐ) is an adverb meaning "only" or "just," placed before the verb to restrict the scope of the action to one thing.
Examples
我只喝茶,不喝咖啡。
Wǒ zhǐ hē chá, bù hē kāfēi.
I only drink tea, not coffee.
Examples
我只喝茶,不喝咖啡。
Wǒ zhǐ hē chá, bù hē kāfēi.
I only drink tea, not coffee.
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Frequently asked questions
How do you express “Expressing "only" with "只 (zhǐ)"” in Chinese?
Use the structure: Subj. + 只 (zhǐ) + Verb + Obj.. For example: 我只喝茶,不喝咖啡。 — “I only drink tea, not coffee.”.
What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?
我只喝茶,不喝咖啡。 — “I only drink tea, not coffee.”.
Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?
This grammar rule is part of HSK 3.
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More HSK 3 grammar rules
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一边 (yìbiān) + Verb 1, 一边 (yìbiān) + Verb 2
Expressing "finally" with "终于 (zhōngyú)"
Subj. + 终于 (zhōngyú) + Verb + 了 (le)
Expressing "always" with "总是 (zǒngshì)"
总是 (zǒngshì) + Predicate
Expressing "nearly" with "几乎 (jīhū)"
Subj. + 几乎 (jīhū) + Verb/Adj.
Expressing "again" in the past with "又 (yòu)"
又 (yòu) + Verb + 了 (le)
Expressing lateness with "才 (cái)"
Subj. + Time + 才 (cái) + Verb
Sequencing with "先 (xiān)" and "再 (zài)"
先 (xiān)……, 再 (zài)……
Using "always" as a complaint with "老是 (lǎoshì)"
Subj. + 老是 (lǎoshì) + Verb/Adj.
