只 zhǐ
“only; merely; just”
adverb, measure wordHSK 3 · 2021 list level 2
新HSK等级2025 HSK 3.0 syllabus level
只 appears in the November 2025 exam syllabus in the following numbered entries. Levels refer to the listed reading and use, not every meaning.
- Entry 287: 只 zhī — Level 1; official annotation 1 (量). PDF page 87
- Entry 975: 只 zhǐ — Level 3; official annotation 3 (副). PDF page 104
Separate from the HSK 2.0 and 2021 list labels above. Compare the three lists.
用法How to use 只
只 (zhǐ) means "only" and limits the number or scope of something. It is an adverb, so it normally comes before a verb or before a quantity phrase, often with 有. It usually suggests a small amount or a restriction.
例句Example sentences
- 我只有一个弟弟。wǒ zhǐ yǒu yí gè dì di.I only have one younger brother.
- 他今天只吃了早饭。tā jīn tiān zhī chī le zǎo fàn.He only ate breakfast today.
- 这个商店只收现金。zhè ge shāng diàn zhī shōu xiàn jīn.This shop only accepts cash.
常见错误Common mistakes
-
✗我吃饭只。
✓我只吃饭。
只 is an adverb and must come before the verb it limits, not after it.
深度指南Grammar & comparison guides
义项All meanings
- zhǐ: only; merely; just; but
- zhǐ: variant of 只
- zhī: grain that has begun to ripen
- zhǐ: variant of 只
- zhī: classifier for birds and certain animals, one of a pair, some utensils, vessels etc