3 strokes
3 画
cái
shǒu
hand
- ability; talent
- a moment ago; just
- (preceded by an expression of time) not until
- (follow by a numerical expression) only
- (used in an assertion or contradiction, emphasising what come before “才 – chái”, usually with “呢 – ne” at the end of the sentence) actually; really
cái-gàn
才干
n.
ability; competence
cái-huá
才华
n.
literary or artistic talent
cái-néng
才能
n.
ability; capability
cái-xué
才学
v.
talent and learning; scholarship
cái-zǐ
才子
n.
a talented scholar
cái-mào-shuāng-quán
才貌双全
be as wise as fair; be endowed with both beauty and talent
cái-zǐ-jiā-rén
才子佳人
gifted scholars and beautiful ladies; the wit and beauty
Usage 用法
a moment ago; just
Tā dà-xué cái bì-yè jiù jié-hūn le.
他大学才毕业就结婚了。
She had just graduated when she got married.
(preceded by an expression of time) not until
Bā diǎn-zhōng kǎo-shì, kě tā jiǔ diǎn cái lái.
八点钟考试，可他九点才来。
The test started at eight, but he did’t come until nine.
(follow by a numerical expression) only
Zhè hái-zi cái shí suì jiù huì shuō Yīng-yǔ le.
这孩子才十岁就会说英语了。
The child is only ten, and he can speak English.
(used in an assertion or contradiction, emphasising what come before “才 – chái”, usually with “呢 – ne” at the end of the sentence) actually; really
Tā ài piàn-rén, wǒ cái bù xiāng-xìn tā ne!
他爱骗人，我才不相信他呢！
He likes to lie, I really don’t believe him.
