Common Meanings
1
cái才
Ability, talent, or capability.
他很有才华，设计出了很多优秀的作品。
He is very talented and has designed many excellent works.
Refers to a type of person based on their ability or characteristic, often used in compounds like '干才' (gàncái - capable person), '奇才' (qícái - prodigy), '奴才' (núcaí - servile person), '蠢才' (chǔncaí - idiot).
他是个难得的奇才，在音乐方面天赋异禀
He is a rare prodigy, exceptionally gifted in music.
Adverb. Indicates that an action or situation occurred later than expected, or just happened; only then, not until.
等他忙完，我们才一起吃饭
We will eat together only after he finishes being busy.