Skip to content
HanziPass
Log in

只有…才…

Only if/only…, (then)…

HSK 4HSK 3.0 · 3

只有 + condition (the only one)，(S) + 才 + result

只有…才… states the ONLY, necessary condition: without A there is no B. The second clause must use 才 (after the subject, before the verb), never 就. 只有 can also precede a noun or pronoun subject: 只有他才知道 'only he knows'. 才 sentences do not end in 了. Compare: 只要 = as long as (easy), 只有 = only if (no alternative).

HSK 4 gap fills and comprehension questions about necessary conditions.

Examples

  • 只有多听多说，才能学好外语。

    Only by listening and speaking a lot can you learn a foreign language well.

  • 这件事只有你才能帮我。

    Only you can help me with this.

  • 只有周末，我才有时间陪孩子。

    Only on weekends do I have time for my kids.

  • 这家店只有晚上才开门。

    This shop only opens in the evening.

Exercises

  1. 1.只有努力学习， 能考上好大学。

  2. 2.这件事 他才知道。

  3. 3.这件事很重要， 经理同意，我们才能做。

  4. 4.Choose the correct sentence:

More grammar points