只有...才 expresses that something can ONLY happen if a specific condition is met. It emphasizes that there is no other way.
Necessary conditions - The ONLY way to achieve something
Emphasis on exclusivity - No alternatives exist
Only if you study hard can you get into a good university.
Often followed by 能 or 会 after 才, but not required.
只有 starts the condition, 才 starts the result
- ✅ 只有你帮我，我才能完成
- ❌ 只有你帮我，我能完成
Don't confuse with 只要...就 (as long as) - 只有...才 is more restrictive
才 cannot be omitted - Unlike some patterns, 才 is required here
Only if you study hard can you get into a good university.
Only when I see it with my own eyes will I believe it.
Only he knows the password.
Find real examples
Discover this pattern in manga, dramas & more
Save for spaced repetition
Add sentences to your study deck
Practice 只有...才... and other grammar patterns with manga, dramas, and more.
Start learning free