只 (zhǐ) is a fundamental Chinese adverb used to express the meaning of "only." It is one of the most basic and common ways to convey this concept in the language.
Understanding 只 (zhǐ)
As an adverb, 只 (zhǐ) functions to modify verbs, indicating a limitation or exclusivity. Its primary role is to specify that an action, state, or quantity is restricted to a single instance or a limited scope.
Placement and Usage
The most crucial rule for using 只 (zhǐ) is its placement: it always comes before the verb it modifies. This adverbial positioning is consistent and essential for correct grammatical construction.
Here's how to use 只 (zhǐ) effectively:
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Before the Verb: Place 只 (zhǐ) directly in front of the verb or verb phrase to indicate that the action is limited.
- Example: 我只吃水果。(Wǒ zhǐ chī shuǐguǒ.)
- Meaning: I only eat fruit. (The action of eating is limited to fruit.)
- Example: 我只吃水果。(Wǒ zhǐ chī shuǐguǒ.)
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Before Quantifiers/Nouns (when used with 有/是): While it primarily precedes verbs, when expressing "only have" or "only be," 只 (zhǐ) will still come before the verb 有 (yǒu) or 是 (shì), which then precede the noun/quantity.
- Example: 我们只有一个孩子。(Wǒmen zhǐ yǒu yīgè háizi.)
- Meaning: We only have one child. (The having is limited to one child.)
- Example: 我们只有一个孩子。(Wǒmen zhǐ yǒu yīgè háizi.)
Practical Examples of 只 (zhǐ) in Sentences
To further illustrate its usage, consider these common phrases:
| Chinese Sentence (Pinyin) | English Translation | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 我只想睡觉。(Wǒ zhǐ xiǎng shuìjiào.) | I only want to sleep. | Expresses a single desire. |
| 他只会说英文。(Tā zhǐ huì shuō Yīngwén.) | He can only speak English. | Limits the ability to one language. |
| 这家店只卖咖啡。(Zhè jiā diàn zhǐ mài kāfēi.) | This shop only sells coffee. | Restricts the items sold. |
| 我只等了五分钟。(Wǒ zhǐ děng le wǔ fēnzhōng.) | I only waited for five minutes. | Limits the duration of the action. |
| 她只穿黑色的衣服。(Tā zhǐ chuān hēisè de yīfu.) | She only wears black clothes. | Specifies a preference or restriction in attire. |
Key Takeaways
- 只 (zhǐ) is an adverb.
- It means "only."
- It is consistently placed before the verb it modifies.
- It is the most fundamental way to express "only" in Chinese.
Understanding and correctly using 只 (zhǐ) is a key step in building foundational Chinese grammar skills, allowing you to express limitations and exclusivity with clarity.
