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只能

zhǐ néng

HSK 3

Meaning

  • can only

Definition

表示唯一的可能性或选择,相当于‘只能够’、‘只有一种可能’

Indicates the only possibility or choice, equivalent to 'can only' or 'only one option'

Usage

用于动词前,强调受条件限制,没有其他选择

Used before a verb to emphasize that there is no other choice due to constraints

Examples

  • 1 因为下雨,我们只能待在家里。 (Because it's raining, we can only stay at home.)
  • 2 时间不够,我只能回答几个问题。 (There's not enough time, so I can only answer a few questions.)
  • 3 他受伤了,只能坐轮椅。 (He was injured and can only use a wheelchair.)
  • 4 票已售罄,我们只能下次再来了。 (Tickets are sold out; we can only come back another time.)
  • 5 预算有限,公司只能裁员。 (With a limited budget, the company can only lay off employees.)
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