才 cái
才（cái）means “才 (cái): adverb marking that something happens late, is only a small amount, or only after a condition”. Before the verb, 才 says the action happens later or with more effort than expected, e. Formation: 主语 + 才 + 动词（强调晚/少/条件后）
才 (cái): adverb marking that something happens late, is only a small amount, or only after a condition
HSK2Formation
主语 + 才 + 动词（强调晚/少/条件后）
Explanation
Before the verb, 才 says the action happens later or with more effort than expected, e.g. 他九点才来 ('he didn't come until 9'). After a condition it means 'only then', e.g. 学了才会 ('only after studying can you do it'). It is the opposite of 就.
Examples
Note
才 sentences usually take no 了. Compare 他就来了 (early) vs 他才来 (late).
FAQ
才 — what does it mean and how is it used?
才 (cái): adverb marking that something happens late, is only a small amount, or only after a condition. Before the verb, 才 says the action happens later or with more effort than expected, e.g. 他九点才来 ('he didn't come until 9'). After a condition it means 'only then', e.g. 学了才会 ('only after studying can you do it'). It is the opposite of 就.
才 — how do you form it?
主语 + 才 + 动词（强调晚/少/条件后）
才 — any usage notes?
才 sentences usually take no 了. Compare 他就来了 (early) vs 他才来 (late).