Using "cai" for small numbers

The character 才 (cái) can be used to emphasize that a number is small, or less than expected.

Structure

Subject + 才 + （verb）+ Number + Measure Word + Noun

In English, we often express this by using "only" or "just" to emphasize that the number is small.

这家公司才三个员工。Zhè jiā gōngsī cái sān gè yuángōng. This company only has three employees.
电影院里才八九个人。Diànyǐngyuàn lǐ cái bājiǔ gè rén.There are only eight or nine people in the theater.
我才来上海不到两个月。Wǒ cái lái shànghǎi bùdào liǎnggè yuè.I've only been in Shanghai for less than two months.
工作才做了一半。Gōngzuò cái zuòle yībàn.Only half of the work has been done.
他们认识才三个星期就结婚了。 Tāmen rènshi cái sāngè xīngqī jiù jiéhūn le.They've known each other only for three weeks before they got married.