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才可以
cái kě yǐ
What does "才可以" mean in English?
only then can你先完成作业，才可以玩游戏。
You finish your homework first, only then can you play games.
How to use "才可以" correctly: definitions and examples in English?
formal
Used to indicate that something can happen or be done only after a certain condition is met.
只有通过考试，才可以拿到驾照。
Only after passing the exam can you obtain a driver's license.
你把报告改完，才可以提交。
You must finish revising the report before you can submit it.
Often used to emphasize a prerequisite or condition for an action. Similar to 'only if' in English.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Emphasizing Conditions
Use '才可以' when you want to stress that a condition must be met before something else happens. For example, '你吃完饭才可以看电视' (You can watch TV only after finishing your meal).
Gold Rule
Condition + Result
The structure 'A 才可以 B' means 'B can only happen after A'. The condition (A) must be satisfied first.
Word Origin
The phrase '才可以' combines the adverb '才' (indicating a condition or time) with the modal verb '可以' (meaning 'can' or 'may'). '才' emphasizes that the action or state can only occur after the specified condition is fulfilled.
Usage Notes
1. '才可以' is often used in instructions or rules to set clear conditions. 2. It implies a strict sequence of events. 3. Avoid using it in casual conversations where softer alternatives like '可以' or '能' might suffice.
Word Breakdown
才
only then / just now
adverb可以
can / may
modal verb汉英词典