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Lesson

Only If (只有…才…)

1. Explain it simply

只有 introduces the ONE necessary condition; 才 introduces the result.

This means 'only if' - nothing else makes the result happen.

Put 才 after the subject, right before the verb: subject + 才 + verb.

只有 pairs with 才, never with 就.

2. Show examples

只有多休息,身体才会好。

Zhǐyǒu duō xiūxi, shēntǐ cái huì hǎo.

Only if you rest more will your body get well.

才 before the verb

只有多练习,才能学好中文。

Zhǐyǒu duō liànxí, cái néng xuéhǎo Zhōngwén.

Only if you practice more can you learn Chinese well.

只有 + condition

只有不下雨,我们才去。

Zhǐyǒu bù xiàyǔ, wǒmen cái qù.

Sandhi:Zhǐyǒu bú xiàyǔ, wǒmen cái qù.

Only if it doesn't rain will we go.

the only condition

3. Share a tip

只有 pairs with 才, not with 就. Keep 才 right before the verb (身体才会好), and use this only for the single condition that makes the result possible.

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