How to say “only” in Chinese with 只 (zhǐ)

Subj. + (zhǐ) + Verb + Obj.

Expressing "only" with " (zhǐ)"

HSK 3Adverbs

Rule structure

(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.

Practice

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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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