才
Pattern
才 + small amount / limited amount
Key words
Core idea
才 can mean “only” or “merely” before a small amount. It suggests the amount is less than expected.
The word carries the speaker’s attitude: the number feels small, late, limited, or not enough in context.
Compare with timing uses
This page focuses on amounts. Another common use of 才 comments that something happens later or only after a condition is met.
Examples
他才十岁。
Tā cái shí suì.
He is only ten years old.
我今天才喝了一杯水。
Wǒ jīntiān cái hē le yì bēi shuǐ.
I have only had one cup of water today.
这本书才一百块。
Zhè běn shū cái yìbǎi kuài.
This book is only one hundred dollars.
Common mistakes
Avoid
他十才岁。
Use
他才十岁。
When 才 means only, put it before the amount being emphasized.
Seen in stories
Only One Dumpling Left
大家吃完以后，盘子里才剩一个。
After everyone finishes eating, only one is left on the plate.
Only One Dumpling Left
小王说：“我才吃了五个，你们吃吧。”
Xiao Wang says, “I only ate five. You eat it.”
Only One Dumpling Left
小刘马上说：“我也才吃了六个。”
Xiao Liu immediately says, “I also only ate six.”
Only One Dumpling Left
她把饺子切成四块，说：“现在每个人才一小口。”
She cuts the dumpling into four pieces and says, “Now each person only has one small bite.”