HSK 3
只有……才……
zhǐyǒu…… cái……
only if…
Structure
只有 + Essential Condition + 才 + Result
How it works
This grammar pattern is used to express that a specific condition is the unique and necessary requirement for a certain result. '只有' introduces the essential condition, while '才' introduces the result that follows only if that condition is met.
Examples
只有多练习，你才能学好中文。
Zhǐyǒu duō liànxí, nǐ cáinéng xuéhǎo Zhōngwén.
Only if you practice more can you learn Chinese well.
只有生病的时候，他才会休息。
Zhǐyǒu shēngbìng de shíhou, tā cái huì xiūxi.
Only when he is sick does he rest.
只有通过面试，才能得到这份工作。
Zhǐyǒu tōngguò miànshì, cáinéng dédào zhè fèn gōngzuò.
Only by passing the interview can you get this job.
Common mistakes
Many students use '就' (jiù) instead of '才' (cái) in the second part, but '就' implies an easy or natural result, whereas '才' emphasizes that the condition is the only possible way.
Tip
Think of '只有' as the key and '才' as the lock; the result can't happen without that specific key.
More HSK 3 grammar
See 只有……才…… in real Chinese
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