Definitions
(noun)
ability; talent; capability
(adverb)
only then; just now
(adverb)
only (before quantities)
Etymology
Originally a pictograph of a wooden post, similar to 弋. The current meaning is a phonetic loan.
About
Originally a pictograph of a young sprout breaking through the earth, 才 symbolized new growth and inherent potential. This core idea of natural capacity extended to denote human talent, ability, and intellectual skill. Beyond this primary meaning, the character also functions as an adverb, indicating an action has just occurred or that a condition is met only after a specific prerequisite.
Example Sentences Hide
我现在才来。
他才是好人。
你才能做这件事。
人才非常重要。
他昨天才到北京。
只有努力才能成功。
直到昨天他才告诉我。
这个问题才能被彻底解决。