…方为／方可…
only then is / only then may (written 才)
Structure
条件 ， 方为 判断（有效、合格…） ／ 条件 ， 方可 动作
What it means
Only then is / only then may: 方 is the classical, written 才. The condition comes first; the 方 clause says what then becomes true or allowed.
How it is built
Condition (often with 须, 经 or 只有)，方为 + judgement / 方可 + action: 经双方签字，合同方可生效 (The contract takes effect only once both parties have signed it).
When to use it
方为 = 才是／才算, 方可 = 才可以, 方能 = 才能. Laws, rules and notices (持票者方可入场) and old sayings (吃得苦中苦，方为人上人). In conversation say 才.
Watch out
Do not stack the two: ✗ 才方可入场 ✓ 方可入场 (or 才可以入场). Condition first, 方 clause second.
Examples
登记选民过半数投票，选举方为有效。
Only if more than half of registered voters cast a ballot is the election valid.
经双方签字，合同方可生效。
The contract takes effect only once both parties have signed it.
吃得苦中苦，方为人上人。
Only by bearing the bitterest hardship do you rise above others.
Learn this in Lesson 198 · HSK 7–9: 村委会选举 (Village elections)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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