So i recently started to learn Chinese, and i have to say it's been a very positive experience so far. I found the grammar refreshingly simple and the writing system not as intimidating as it first appeared. I still struggle with hearing tones but that will hopefully come with time.
But one thing that still gets me really frustrated is homophones. There are so many of them. And sometimes not even the tone is different. I know plenty of other languages have homophones, English has a bunch of them too, and most of the time you can infer through context which word is meant, but it's still tough for a beginner.
The advantage in Chinese is that the written form is usually very clearly distinguished even if the spoken word sounds the same. But there is one case i've come across where it really seems like the same word, written and sounds exactly the same, seems to be used for two completely different meanings and can't for the life of me figure out why: 只
Can someone please explain to me why this word is used to express both the idea of "only" and also at the same time is a counting word like 个 but for animals (and body parts?):
我只有一只狗
This sentence is so confusing to me. Why, Chinese, why?
This is very interesting, thank you!