才
Character
only then; not until (when something happens later than expected)
Meaning
cái
cai2- only then; not until (when something happens later than expected)
- only (used before a small number or amount)
- talent (as in 天才, a very smart person)
Examples
我昨天才写完作业。
wǒ zuó tiān cái xiě wán zuò yè
I didn't finish my homework until yesterday.
AI-generated sentence
这个包才五十块。
zhè ge bāo cái wǔ shí kuài
This bag is only fifty yuan.
AI-generated sentence
他是个很有才的学生。
tā shì gè hěn yǒu cái de xué shēng
He is a very talented student.
AI-generated sentence
Stroke order
All 3 strokes
Speed
Practice writing 才
Draw “才” here — the faint guide shows its shape.
Words with 才
See all 101 →才能cái nénga natural ability or talent for doing something wellWordHSK 3才华cái huáa special ability to do something well, especially in art, music, or writingWordHSK 7–9才不cái bùby no meansWord才分cái fènabilityWord才女cái nǚtalented girlWord才媛cái yuàn(literary) talented and accomplished womanWord才子cái zǐgifted scholarWord才学cái xuétalent and learningWord才干cái gànabilityWord才德cái détalent and virtueWord才思cái sīimaginative powerWord才怪cái guàiit'd be a wonder if... (following a verb phrase that is usually negative)Word