HSK 3 · VERSION 2.0#60
Expressing “Only If” with “zhǐyǒu”
只有……才……
How it works
只有……才…… means “only if...” or “only when...”
The pattern
只有 + Condition, 才 + Result
Example sentences
只有多练习，才能说得更好。
Only if you practice more can you speak better.
只有你自己去，才能知道结果。
Only if you go yourself can you know the result.
只有下周有时间，我们才能见面。
Only if we have time next week can we meet.
Usage note
Compared with 只要……就……, this pattern expresses a necessary condition.