only if; except
Meanings
2 senses · 10 examplesconjunction
only if; unless
formalIntroduces a necessary condition that must be met for the main clause to be true; often paired with '才', '否则', or '不然'.
Only by building a reservoir can the irrigation problem be better solved.
If you don't want others to know, then you shouldn't have done it in the first place.
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Unless he apologizes, I won't forgive him.
You cannot park here unless you have a permit.
This matter cannot be resolved unless a miracle happens.
preposition
except; apart from; excluding
neutralUsed to introduce an exception to a general statement; often implies that the mentioned person or thing is the only one excluded or capable.
No one knows that mountain trail except him.
No one else can handle this matter except Old Wang.
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All the students in the class went on the field trip except Xiao Ming.
Apart from locals, few tourists know about this place.
Except for experts, ordinary people don't know how to operate this technology.