(zhǐ yào) - as long as, provided that, if only in Mandarin
zhǐyàoTraditional: 只要
Translation
as long as, provided that, if only
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Word origin
只要 (zhǐyào) 'as long as, provided that' joins 只 (zhǐ, 'only') and 要 (yào, 'to want, need'). 要 was originally a pictograph of a person with hands at the waist (the waist sense survives in 腰), later 'to want, require'.
- Origin
- compound
- Root
- 只 (zhǐ, 'only') + 要 (yào, pictograph of a waist, 'to want')
Stroke order
只
要
Examples
。
As long as you come, it's fine.
。
As long as you work hard, you can succeed.
。
As long as you are happy, that's fine.
，。
As long as you are willing, I will help you.
。
As long as you try hard, you will succeed.
只要 (zhǐ yào) means as long as, provided that, if only. It is used as a conjunction in everyday Mandarin speech.
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Used in
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Mandarin · Free printables
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Free printable study downloads for the Mandarin word "只要" (as long as, provided that, if only): a worksheet with the answer key built in, an infographic, and a sentence listicle. Open any one to view, print or save.
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Start your free week (no card)This word is taught in chapter 5, lesson 10: 只要, 重要, 跑 and 7 more words.