unknown, 11 strokes, radical 忄, rank #22810, Very Hard
wéi(wei2) T2
1but, however, nevertheless; only
2-ism
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March 24, 2026
惟wéi(wei2)
惟 (wéi) is used to express a contrast or limitation, similar to 'but' or 'only' in English. It often conveys a sense of exclusivity or emphasis on a particular condition or factor in a statement.
Strokes11Radical忄Frequency#22810DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
惟 is often used in classical Chinese literature and philosophy, reflecting the importance of selective thought and the idea of focusing on what truly matters in life, a key theme in traditional Chinese thought.
Memory Tip
Imagine a wise old sage (惟) sitting on a mountain, who says, 'Only this wisdom matters, but everything else is just noise.' The character has a radical that suggests thoughtfulness, linking it to the idea of exclusivity.
Meanings of 惟
wéi(wei2)
1but, however, nevertheless; only
2-ism
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 惟
惟Simplified
11Strokes
忄Radical
区别词distinguishing word (dist.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 惟
Podcast: 惟
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AI Study Notes for 惟
Usage Notes
惟 is often used in formal contexts and may appear in literature or speeches. Be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding words, and remember that it can imply a limitation or a contrast in meaning. Common collocations include 惟有 (wéi yǒu), meaning 'only'.
HSK Study Tips
Though not in the HSK levels, 惟 connects well with words expressing contrast or limitation, such as 但是 (dànshì) and 仅 (jǐn). Focus on its use in formal texts and how it can enhance your ability to express nuanced ideas.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes misuse 惟 in informal settings, where a word like 但是 (dànshì) is more appropriate. For example, saying '我惟想去' instead of '我只想去' (I only want to go) can sound overly formal and awkward.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 惟
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Decomposition of 惟
IDS Structure⿰忄隹
惟Full Character
=
忄xin1
left
隹zhui1
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 惟?
How to say but, however, nevertheless; only in Chinese
“but, however, nevertheless; only” in Chinese is惟wéi
惟 (wéi) is used to express a contrast or limitation, similar to 'but' or 'only' in English. It often conveys a sense of exclusivity or emphasis on a particular condition or factor in a statement.
When to use 惟
惟 is often used in formal contexts and may appear in literature or speeches. Be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding words, and remember that it can imply a limitation or a contrast in meaning. Common collocations include 惟有 (wéi yǒu), meaning 'only'.
What learners get wrong
Learners sometimes misuse 惟 in informal settings, where a word like 但是 (dànshì) is more appropriate. For example, saying '我惟想去' instead of '我只想去' (I only want to go) can sound overly formal and awkward.
Write 惟
惟
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Practice writing 惟 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 惟
惟 carries 2 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
万般皆下品,____有读书高.
To be a scholar is to be the top of society.
Example Sentences for 惟 (10)
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1
万般皆下品,惟有读书高.
wàn bān jiē xià pǐn, , wéi yǒu dú shū.
To be a scholar is to be the top of society.
2
税租是自愿捐献的赠款,惟有下议院才能接受.
shuì zū shì zì yuàn juān xiàn de zèng kuǎn, , wéi yǒu xià yì yuàn cái néng jiē.
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