Meaning of numai | Babel Free

Definitions

1. only (no more than)
2. only (exclusively)
3. Indicates the subject to be characterised by an abundance of the respective noun: all
   excessive, sometimes
4. almost, nearly, just about (of an event that was close to happening)
   informal
5. suddenly, unexpectedly
   colloquial
6. only just (not long before)
   informal
7. just (quite)
8. synonym of ci (“but rather”)
   nonstandard
9. Follows an imperative, sometimes serving to point out the simplicity of the command or to disregard protest.
   Transylvania, colloquial

Equivalents

Examples

“și nu numai”

and more

“numai că”

however, it’s just that

“Trenul merge cu numai 60 km/h.”

The train is only going 60 km/h.

“În sertar sunt numai niște chei.”

In the cabinet there’s only some keys.

“Marea Depresie nu a afectat numai America.”

The Great Depression did not affect only America.

“Intrarea este permisă numai personalului autorizat.”

Entry for authorised personnel only.

“Numai temperaturile extreme pot rupe legătura azotului molecular.”

Only extreme heat can break the bond of molecular nitrogen.

“numai un zâmbet”

all smiles

“Am mers desculț pe asfaltul fierbinte și acum picioarele-mi sunt numai bășici.”

I walked barefoot on the hot asphalt and now my feet are all blisters.

“Furtuna de ieri numai că nu a doborât copacii.”

Yesterday’s storm nearly struck down the trees.

“Mama numai n-a leșinat când a aflat.”

Mum almost fainted when she found out.

“Mergeam cu el pe stradă, și numa-l văd cum cade într-o gură de canal.”

So I’m walking on the street with him, and suddenly I see him fall down a manhole.

“―Cât mai ai de lucru? ―Numai ce am terminat.”

“How much work do you have left?” “I just finished.”

“În Rusia numai ce se încheiase Primul Război Mondial, că a și început Războiul Civil.”

The First World War had just ended in Russia, when the Civil War began.

“numai bun”

just fine

“numai bine”

quite well, just swimmingly

CEFR level