只

• Pinyin: zhǐ
• Hanzi breakdown: 只 = 口 (mouth) + 八 (eight), originally a pictograph of a single bird

Meaning

Only; just; merely. An adverb indicating limitation or restriction.

One of the most common adverbs in Chinese, used to limit the scope of an action, quantity, or condition. Placed before verbs or adjective phrases. Different from 才 which emphasizes 'not until.'

Examples

1. 我只有一个哥哥。 I only have one older brother.
2. 他只喝水，不喝咖啡。 He only drinks water, not coffee.
3. 这家店只在周末开门。 This shop only opens on weekends.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, conversation

Tone: restrictive

Do Say

• 我只想休息一下。(I just want to rest for a bit.)
• 他只来了两天。(He only came for two days.)

Don't Say

• 只我喜欢这个。(Don't place 只 directly before the subject without 有 — say 只有我喜欢这个. Use 只有 when restricting the subject.)

Origin & History

Originally meant 'single' or 'alone.' The character evolved from a pictograph related to a single bird.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal