Declaring the only option with 只好 ("zhǐhǎo")

只好 zhǐhǎo

Adverb

HSK 4

Structure

⋯⋯ ，(Subj. +) 只好 + [Verb Phrase]

只好表示在某种情况下别无选择，只能采取某种行动或做出某种决定。

Indicates that given the circumstances, there is no other choice but to take a certain action or make a certain decision.

常用于口语和书面语，主语后加“只好”再接动词短语，表示唯一可行的选项。

Commonly used in spoken and written language, placed after the subject and before the verb phrase to indicate the only feasible option.

1 下雨了，我们只好取消计划。 (It's raining, so we have no choice but to cancel the plan.)
2 火车票卖完了，他只好坐飞机去。 (The train tickets were sold out, so he had to fly.)
3 我忘了带钥匙，只好等妈妈回家。 (I forgot my keys, so I had to wait for Mom to come home.)
4 他身体不舒服，只好请假休息。 (He wasn't feeling well, so he had to take leave and rest.)
5 错过了末班车，他们只好打车回去。 (They missed the last bus, so they had no choice but to take a taxi home.)

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