zi2 jau5只有
Jyutpingzi2 jau5
Yalejí yáuh
Definition
Only, representing a necessary condition; often used with "先" or "先至" in conditional sentences.
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
This structure functions as a conditional marker where the necessary requirement is introduced by 只有 and the resulting outcome is marked by 先 or 先至. It emphasizes that a specific condition is the sole path to a particular result. While it mirrors the logic of English 'only if', it is more frequently used in spoken Cantonese to highlight exclusivity or difficulty in achieving an outcome.
Examples
Only by studying hard will you pass.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often omit the necessary follow-up particle 先 or 先至, which makes the sentence sound incomplete or like a direct translation from Mandarin. Always ensure the second half of the sentence clearly indicates the result that depends on the condition.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).
