只要 zhǐyào so long as
so long as; if only; provided that
How to remember 只要: 只 only + 要 want = so long as.
Characters
How it is used
- Sets a sufficient condition, paired with 就 - 只要努力，就会成功 (zhǐyào nǔlì, jiù huì chénggōng) as long as you work hard, you'll succeed.
- Contrast 只有…才 (zhǐyǒu…cái), a necessary condition ('only if'): 只有努力才能成功 = success comes only through effort. 只要 = enough; 只有 = required.
- Everyday, encouraging tone - one easy condition unlocks the outcome.
Example sentences
- 只要十元！
Zhǐyào shíyuán!It only costs
- 你只要问就好了。 Nǐ zhǐyào wèn jiù hǎo le.You have only to ask for it.
- 只要不下雨就行。 Zhǐyào bú xiàyǔ jiù xíng.It would be great if it didn't rain.