只 zhǐ
只（zhǐ）means “only; merely (limits the scope)”. The adverb 只 means "only/merely" and limits the action or amount to what follows. Formation: 主语 + 只 + 动词
only; merely (limits the scope)
HSK2Formation
主语 + 只 + 动词
Explanation
The adverb 只 means "only/merely" and limits the action or amount to what follows. It goes after the subject and before the verb, restricting the range of the action.
Examples
我 只 有一个。
wǒ zhǐ yǒu yí gè.
I only have one.
他 只 想休息。
tā zhǐ xiǎng xiūxi.
He just wants to rest.
Note
Don't confuse the adverb 只 (zhǐ) with the measure word 只 (zhī) for animals.
FAQ
只 — what does it mean and how is it used?
only; merely (limits the scope). The adverb 只 means "only/merely" and limits the action or amount to what follows. It goes after the subject and before the verb, restricting the range of the action.
只 — how do you form it?
主语 + 只 + 动词
只 — any usage notes?
Don't confuse the adverb 只 (zhǐ) with the measure word 只 (zhī) for animals.