B2 · Grammar reference · ASGJDV3Y
Expressing "only if" with "zhiyou" 只有 (zhǐyǒu) means "only if," and is used with 才 (cái) to emphasize that only one course of action will bring about the desired outcome.
Structure
只有 + Essential Condition + 才 (能) + Desired Outcome
Noun + 才 + Verb Phrase⋯⋯
Keywords 只有 · 只 · 才 · if · only · only if
Used for Indicating cause and effect · Indicating conditions
Classification HSK3 Examples (12) Add all sentences to My sentences Only if you work hard is it possible to do a good job. Illustrates Expressing "only if" with "zhiyou" with 只有. Only if you eat more will you be able to grow tall. Illustrates Expressing "only if" with "zhiyou" with 只有. Only if you speak more will your Chinese improve. Illustrates Expressing "only if" with "zhiyou" with 只有. Only if everyone works together can we succeed. Illustrates Expressing "only if" with "zhiyou" with 只有. Only if you finish your homework can you watch TV. Illustrates Expressing "only if" with "zhiyou" with 只有. Only if Mom is here can we go out and play. Illustrates Expressing "only if" with "zhiyou" with 只有. Only if you go running every day can you have a healthy body. Illustrates Expressing "only if" with "zhiyou" with 只有. We can only do this if the boss agrees with the suggestion. Illustrates Expressing "only if" with "zhiyou" with 只有. You can only tell if it's good or not if you have eaten it before. Illustrates Expressing "only if" with "zhiyou" with 只有. Only if you have learned pinyin can you learn Chinese characters better. Illustrates Expressing "only if" with "zhiyou" with 只有. YOU're the idiot! Illustrates Expressing "only if" with "zhiyou" with 只有. 在某些西方国家里，白人才是真正的西方人。我不同意。 In some western countries, it's only white people that are the "real" westerners. I don't agree. Illustrates Expressing "only if" with "zhiyou" with 只有. Further resources
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