chỉ cần
Definition
- Adverbial phrase:
- Only need to, just need to: Expresses that a simple condition or minimal action is sufficient to achieve a result. It emphasizes sufficiency and simplicity.
- All you need is, it's enough to: Used to state that a specific, often small, requirement is all that is necessary.
Usage Examples
- Adverbial phrase:
- Chỉ cần bạn nói một câu thôi. (All you need to do is say one sentence.)
- Chỉ cần một chút nỗ lực nữa là chúng ta sẽ thành công. (Just a little more effort and we will succeed.)
- Anh ấy hạnh phúc chỉ cần có gia đình bên cạnh. (He is happy just having his family by his side.)
Advanced Usage
"Chỉ cần... là...": A common correlative structure meaning "Just/Only need to... and then...". It sets a simple condition for a subsequent result.
- Chỉ cần bấm nút này là máy sẽ chạy. (Just press this button and the machine will start.)
"Chỉ cần... thôi": Emphasizes that nothing more than the stated element is needed. "Thôi" reinforces the meaning of "only" or "just".
- Tôi chỉ cần một ly nước thôi. (I just need a glass of water, that's all.)
Variants and Related Words
Cần (verb): To need.
- Tôi cần sự giúp đỡ. (I need help.)
Chỉ (adverb): Only, just.
- Tôi chỉ có hai cuốn sách. (I only have two books.)
Synonyms
- Đơn giản là: Simply is.
- Miễn là: As long as (introduces a condition, but "chỉ cần" focuses more on the sufficiency of a simple action).
Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)
- Chỉ cần có: Just need to have.
- Chỉ cần có lòng thành là đủ. (Just having sincerity is enough.)
Related Idioms
- Chỉ cần nước đến chân mới nhảy: (Idiom: Only jumps when the water reaches the feet) Equivalent to "Only acting at the last minute" or "Crossing the bridge when you come to it." This idiom uses "chỉ cần" in a fixed, proverbial structure to criticize a reactive, rather than proactive, attitude.