Also means
not until
Usage Note
erst as an adverb means 'only' in the sense of 'not until now / no earlier than' (erst um acht = 'not before eight'), unlike nur which limits quantity. It is the same root as erste ('first'). Saying Es ist erst zehn Uhr implies it's earlier than expected.
Examples
"Er kommt erst morgen."
Natural Translation
He won't come until tomorrow.
Literal Translation
He comes only tomorrow.
Related Words
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