Discussion of 只 [zhǐ] only, merely, just

Discussion of 只

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就 and 只 can both mean “only”. Sometimes they are interchangeable. What are their differences?

1. When we direct the meaning of “only” to the object in a sentence, both 就 and 只 can be used. They are interchangeable. For example:
E.g. 1a 他只喝白水，不喝咖啡。 [phr] He only drinks plain boiled water and doesn't drink coffee. = 他就喝白水，不喝咖啡。
E.g. 1b 我就买两件。 [phr] I will only buy two (clothes). = 我只买两件。
白水 is the object of the verb 喝. And 两件 is the object of the verb 买. 就 and 只 are referring to the objects — 白水 and 两件.

2. When we direct the meaning of “only” to the subject in a sentence, we can only use 就 or 只有, and they must appear before the subject. 只 cannot be used.
E.g. 2a 就他认识那位老师，别人都不认识。 [phr] Only he knows that teacher. Nobody else knows (him). = 只有他认识……
E.g. 2b 周六就我们两个人去游泳。 [phr] On Saturday, only the two of us will go swimming. ＝周六只有我们……

lisaC

Is 只 (zhǐ) more formal or informal in different contexts?

个学生

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How do I use 只 (zhǐ) in a sentence?

个学生

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You can use 只 (zhǐ) to indicate that something is limited or restricted. For example, you can say "我只有一个小时（wǒ zhǐ yǒu yī gè xiǎo shí）" which means "I only have one hour". You can also use 只 (zhǐ) to indicate that something is the only thing that is true or relevant. For example, you can say "只有一个答案（zhǐ yǒu yī gè dá àn）" which means "there is only one answer".

当老师

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What other words can I use in place of 只 (zhǐ)?

个学生

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