才
cái
Description
“才”是一个很常用的字，可以表示“刚刚”或者“只有”，也可以表示“能力”。
"才" is a very common character that can mean "just" or "only," and can also indicate "ability."
说话的时候，我们常用“才”来表示时间晚，或者数量少。
When speaking, we often use "才" to express a late time or a small quantity.
Meanings
才cái
only just; not until (later than expected)
他到十点才起床。
He didn't get up until ten o'clock.
才cái
only (emphasizing a small amount)
这本书才五块钱。
This book only costs five yuan.
才cái
talent; ability
他是一个很有才的人。
He is a very talented person.
Related words
Notes
- Nuance
as an adverb 才 stresses lateness or smallness; 就 is its opposite, stressing earliness.
- Etymology
originally means 'talent/ability'; the adverbial uses of degree and time developed later.
In videos
“对，我才知道，啊，好像男人和女人，”
“我才明白他真的想告诉我们什么。”
“才再去参加更多的这些决定。”
“她戴着头盔才可以骑电动车”
Images