The Chinese word 才 has several meanings depending on the context it is used in. One of its main meanings is “just” or “only”, indicating that something has happened recently or has just started. It can also mean “talent” or “ability”, referring to someone’s innate or acquired skills. Overall, 才 is a versatile word that is commonly used in everyday conversation in Chinese.
Translation
Adverb: just, only if
Noun: ability, talent
Pronunciation
Example Sentences
| Chinese | Pinyin | Engish |
|---|---|---|
| 他才不会告诉你 | tā cái bù huì gàosù nǐ | He won’t tell you |
| 我才刚刚开始 | wǒ cái gānggāng kāishǐ | I just started |
| 他才学了一年汉语 | tā cái xuéle yī nián hànyǔ | He has only studied Chinese for a year |
| 他才有十六岁 | tā cái yǒu shíliù suì | He is only sixteen years old |
| 我才不相信他说的话呢 | wǒ cái bù xiāngxìn tā shuō de huà ne | I don’t believe what he said |
| 我才不会告诉你我的秘密呢 | wǒ cái bù huì gàosù nǐ wǒ de mìmì ne | I won’t tell you my secret |
| 他才不会跟你一起去呢 | tā cái bù huì gēn nǐ yīqǐ qù ne | He won’t go with you |
| 我才刚刚看到他 | wǒ cái gānggāng kàn dào tā | I just saw him |
HSK
才 is part of HSK Level 3 in HSK 2.0. In the newer HSK 3.0 it is part of HSK Level 2 and HSK Level 4.
Learning Card
