0 used to show that there is a single one or very few of something, or that there are no others -- 唯一的,僅有的
1 used to show that something is limited to not more than, or is not anything other than, the people, things, amount, or activity stated -- 只,僅,才
At present these televisions are only available in Japan. 目前這種電視機只有在日本才能買到。
Only Sue and Mark bothered to turn up for the meeting. 只有蘇和馬克當回事,出席了這次會議。
Only an idiot would do that. 只有白癡才會做那樣的事。
I was only joking. 我不過是在開玩笑。
She spoke to me only a few minutes ago on the phone. 她就在幾分鐘前和我通過電話。
It's only four o'clock and it's already getting dark. 才4點,天就開始黑了。
"Who's there?" "It's only me (= it is not someone you should worry about). I've locked myself out." 「誰在那裡?」「是我而已。我把自己關在外面了。」
It's only natural that you should worry about your children. 你擔心自己的孩子,這是很自然的事情。
2 used to refer to something that happens almost immediately after something else -- 剛剛,才
3 used to say that two related things are true or happened, especially when this is surprising or shocking -- 不但…而且
4 used when saying that something unpleasant will happen as a result of an action or a failure to act -- (表示由於某個行動或未能採取行動而導致不好的事情發生)只,只會
If you don't do something about it now it will only get worse. 如果你現在不做點事的話,事情只會變得更糟。
We can complete it step by step however long the road is and it can't be completed however short the road is if you don't even mark your footprint.
再长的路,一步步也能走完,再短的路,不迈开双脚也无法到达。