CilmeOriginally from tik (“such; only”) + tai (with loss of the second t), with tai being a form of the demonstrative pronoun tas (“that”); compare related particles tikko, tikām. Cognates include Lithuanian tiktai̇̃, dialectal tìktai.
- used to limit the meaning of a word or expression; only, just
“tikai vienu reizi tur bijām” — we have been there only once
“to zina tikai viņš” — only he knows that
“nopirku tikai divus kilogramus miltu” — I bought only two kilograms of flour
- referring to other possibilities, alternatives; not only, not just
“nāk jauna diena? jā gan, un sola / ne tikai laimi, ne tikai prieku” — is a new day coming? yes, and it promises / not only happiness, not only joy
“darbs viņam kļuvis patiesi radošs, īsti radošs, ne tikai vārdos tāds” — his work became creative, truly creative, not just such in words (i.e., this is not just empty praise)
- used to strengthen or reinforce the meaning of the utterance; just...
“tā tikai bija pasaka!” — that was just a fairy tale!
“skaties, lai visiem tikai pietiktu” — (just) make sure that there is enough for everyone
“sēž tikai un pļāpā” — just sit down and chat
- used to link elements, usually indicating limitation of the meaning of the preceding element, or also a contrast with it; just, only
“Jukums bija klusas, labsirdīgas dabas, tikai pārāk bikls un bailīgs” — Jukums was of a quiet, kind-hearted nature, (but) just a little too self-conscious and shy
“pusaudži abi vienā balsī apgalvoja, ka cilvēkus mežā neesat redzējuši, tikai vilku” — both adolescents confirmed in one voice that they had not seen people in the forest, (but) only wolves
“lūša pēdas atgādina kaķa pēdas, tikai tās ir lielākas” — lynx footprints look like cat footprints, only (= with the difference that) they are bigger
- used to connect two elements; not only ... but also
“vai tagad jūs, draugi, zināt, kas ir mistrāls? tas ir vējš, kas spēj atnest ne tikai nelaimi, bet arī laimi” — do you, friends, know what the mistral is? it is a wind that can bring not only unhappiness, but also happiness
“Taive dzird ne tikai to, kas notiek klasē, bet arī pagalmā un dārzā” — Taive hears not only what happens in the classroom, but also (what happens) in the yard and in the garden