只 — how to use it in Chinese

only; merely

Frequent patterns

Explanation

Can be pronounced zhǐ or zhī depending on its function.

As zhī, it is a very common classifier for animals and certain objects.

Example sentences

我 wǒ 只 zhǐ 喝 hē 水 shuǐ

I only drink water.

我 wǒ 只 zhǐ 喝 hē 水 shuǐ 不 bù 喝 hē 酒 jiǔ

I only drink water, not alcohol.

我 wǒ 今天 jīntiān 只 zhǐ 想 xiǎng 在 zài 家 jiā 休息 xiūxi

Today I just want to rest at home.

More HSK1 grammar

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