Only If (只有...才)
Express 'only if A, then B' - B can only happen when condition A is met.
Pattern
只有 + Condition, (Subject) + 才 + Result
Explanation
只有...才 expresses that a result can ONLY be achieved when a specific condition is met. It emphasizes the necessity and exclusivity of the condition.
才 here means 'only then' and stresses that without the condition being met, the result is impossible. This is stronger than a simple if-then statement.
Examples
只有努力学习，才能考上好大学。
Zhǐyǒu nǔlì xuéxí, cái néng kǎo shàng hǎo dàxué.
Only by studying hard can you get into a good university.
只有亲自去看，才知道那里有多美。
Zhǐyǒu qīnzì qù kàn, cái zhīdào nàlǐ yǒu duō měi.
Only by going there yourself will you know how beautiful it is.
只有大家合作，才能完成这个项目。
Zhǐyǒu dàjiā hézuò, cái néng wánchéng zhège xiàngmù.
Only through everyone's cooperation can this project be completed.
Common Mistakes
只有努力学习，就能考上好大学。
只有努力学习，才能考上好大学。
只有 must pair with 才, not 就. 就 implies ease; 才 implies necessity.
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