只有 (zhǐyǒu) means "only if," and is used with 才 (cái) to emphasize that only one course of action will bring about the desired outcome.

Structure

只有 + Essential Condition + 才 + Desired Outcome

Examples

只有努力才能做好工作。Only with hard work is it possible to do a good job.
只有经济发展才会有更好的明天。Only if the economy develops will it be possible to have an even better tomorrow.
只有多吃饭才能长高。Only if you eat more will you be able to grow tall.

See also

Sources and further reading

Books

New Practical Chinese Reader 4 (新实用汉语课本4) (pp. 42) →buy
卓越汉语－公司实战篇 (p. 113) →buy
40 Lessons for Basic Chinese Course (基础汉语40课下册） (p. 516)→buy

Websites

Yale Chinese Usage Dictionary 只 and 只有

Category: B2 grammar points