Meanings of 只好
By ear
Play it, then pick what 只好 means.
About 只好
Podcast: 只好
Podcast: 只好
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 只好
不得不 (bùdé bù) — use 只好 when emphasizing resignation to an unfavorable choice, while 不得不 implies a stronger necessity or compulsion.
Be mindful that 只好 is typically used in informal contexts. A common mistake is using it too rigidly; it should express a lack of better options rather than just a preference. Common collocations include '只好接受' (have to accept) or '只好放弃' (have to give up).
As an HSK Level 4 word, 只好 connects well with other words expressing obligation or necessity. Students should focus on understanding its usage in context, particularly in sentences that highlight lack of choice.
Learners often misuse 只好 by using it in positive contexts, such as saying '只好去旅行' (have to go travel), which implies a choice. The correct usage would involve an unfavorable situation, like '只好留下' (have to stay).
Pronunciation of 只好
Drill the tone of 只好 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 只好 to You
Let me explain 只好 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 只好 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 只好?
Learning Lab
Knowing 只好 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Component Characters
How to say without any better option in Chinese
“without any better option” in Chinese is只好
只好 (zhǐhǎo) means 'to have no choice but to' or 'to be forced to.' It is used in situations where one must accept an unfavorable outcome or decision due to lack of alternatives. This phrase conveys a sense of resignation or inevitability.
When to use 只好
Be mindful that 只好 is typically used in informal contexts. A common mistake is using it too rigidly; it should express a lack of better options rather than just a preference. Common collocations include '只好接受' (have to accept) or '只好放弃' (have to give up).
只好 or something close to it
不得不 (bùdé bù) — use 只好 when emphasizing resignation to an unfavorable choice, while 不得不 implies a stronger necessity or compulsion.
What learners get wrong
Learners often misuse 只好 by using it in positive contexts, such as saying '只好去旅行' (have to go travel), which implies a choice. The correct usage would involve an unfavorable situation, like '只好留下' (have to stay).
Write 只好
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 只好 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 只好
只好 functions as an adverb — it modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In Chinese, adverbs sit BEFORE the verb they modify (我也去, 他常常迟到), never after it. It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
他们别无选择，____接受他的提议。
They had little choice but to agree to what he suggested.
Example Sentences for 只好 (10)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 只好?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Frequently Asked Questions about 只好
No, 只好 specifically indicates a lack of choice, not a preference.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 只好?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.