衹 (zhǐ) - Only, merely, just & used to indicate limitation or restriction in classical

衹Tone 3

zhǐ ｜ 9 strokes ｜ radical:

丈志

衹 · zhǐ

Only, merely, just;

used to indicate limitation or restriction in classical and literary Chinese.

Only, merely, justused to indicate limitation or restriction in classical

Usage highlights

Only haveMerely isOnly needOnly thenOnly canOnly want

Synonyms

  • 只— only, merely (modern simplified equivalent)
  • 仅— only, merely
  • 唯— only, alone

Antonyms

  • 全— complete, entire
  • 皆— all, every
  • 尽— exhaustive, all

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • I only have one book (我衹有一本书).
  • He merely glanced at it (他衹是瞥了一眼).
  • This is just the beginning (这衹是开始).
  • We only need three people (我们衹需要三个人).

Collocations

  • Only have(衹有)
  • Merely is(衹是)
  • Only need(衹需要)
  • Only then(衹才)
  • Only can(衹能)
  • Only want(衹想)

Idioms

  • Only this one way(衹此一家)
  • Only know one thing(衹知其一)
  • Only see the present(衹见眼前)
  • Only seek self-interest(衹求自利)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • 衹 is primarily used in classical Chinese and formal writing, often appearing in literary contexts.
  • In modern usage, 只 is more commonly used for 'only' in simplified Chinese, while 衹 appears in traditional contexts.
  • The character carries a sense of limitation or exclusivity, often used to emphasize restriction or singularity.

FAQ