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March 24, 2026
唯一wéiyī(wei2yi1)
唯一 (wéi yī) means 'the only one' or 'sole.' It is used to emphasize uniqueness or exclusivity in various contexts, such as describing a person, object, or experience that stands out among others. This term often conveys a sense of irreplaceability or singularity.
Frequency#426DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 唯一 can often be linked to familial relationships, where a child might be seen as the 唯一 (only) heir in a family. This reflects traditional values around lineage and the importance placed on having a sole representative of the family.
Memory Tip
Imagine a single, shining star in the night sky representing 唯一 (wéi yī). The character 唯 has the radical for 'only' (唯), signifying singularity, while 一 (yī) means 'one.' Together, they create a powerful image of being the one and only star in a vast universe.
Meanings of 唯一
wéiyī(wei2yi1)
1only
2sole
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About 唯一
唯一Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
区别词distinguishing word (dist.)Part of Speech
#426Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 唯一
Podcast: 唯一
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AI Study Notes for 唯一
Quick Contrast
唯一 (wéi yī) vs 仅仅 (jǐn jǐn) — use 唯一 to emphasize absolute uniqueness, while 仅仅 indicates merely or only without the implication of singularity.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a single, shining star in the night sky representing 唯一 (wéi yī). The character 唯 has the radical for 'only' (唯), signifying singularity, while 一 (yī) means 'one.' Together, they create a powerful image of being the one and only star in a vast universe.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 唯一 with similar terms like 仅仅 (jǐn jǐn), which means 'merely' or 'only.' 唯一 is typically used in formal contexts, so it's best suited for writing or speeches rather than casual conversation. Common collocations include '唯一的选择' (the only choice) and '唯一的机会' (the only opportunity).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 唯一 connects with other terms that express exclusivity or singularity. Focus on using it in sentences that highlight uniqueness, and practice with related words like '特别' (tè bié - special) to enhance your vocabulary around this theme.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 唯一 can often be linked to familial relationships, where a child might be seen as the 唯一 (only) heir in a family. This reflects traditional values around lineage and the importance placed on having a sole representative of the family.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 唯一 by placing it in contexts where something is merely limited rather than unique, for example saying '这只是唯一的选择' (This is just the only choice) instead of '这是唯一的选择' (This is the only choice). Always ensure the context reflects uniqueness.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 唯一
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Grammar Patterns of 唯一
唯一 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
我们之间____的差别就是肤色。
The only difference between us is the colour of our skins.
Example Sentences for 唯一 (10)
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1
我们之间唯一的差别就是肤色。
wǒ mén zhī jiān wéi yī de chà bié jiù shì fū sè。
The only difference between us is the colour of our skins.
2
我的猫古斯塔夫是我所有的一切——我唯一的伴侣。
wǒ de māo gǔ sī tǎ fū shì wǒ suǒ yǒu de yī qiē—— —— wǒ wéi yī de bàn。
My cat Gustaf was the only thing I had—the only company.
3
唯一的声响是冰层噼噼啪啪碎裂的声音。
wéi yī de shēng xiǎng shì bīng céng pī pī pā pā suì liè de shēng yīn。
The only sound was the crackle of breaking ice.
4
我认为取得成功唯一的共同要素是勤奋。
wǒ rèn wéi qǔ dé chéng gōng wéi yī de gòng tóng yào sù shì qín fèn。
I think the only common denominator of success is hard work.
5
墙上唯一的装饰是几支蜡烛和一面镜子。
qiáng shàng wéi yī de zhuāng shì shì jī zhī là zhú hé yī miàn jìng zǐ。
The only wall decorations are candles and a single mirror.
6
他们正用德语交谈，这是他们唯一的共同语言。
tā mén zhèng yòng dé yǔ jiāo tán， ， zhè shì tā mén wéi yī de gòng tóng yǔ。
They were conversing in German, their only common language.
7
我所得到的唯一食物就是这家人的残羹剩饭。
wǒ suǒ dé dào de wéi yī shí wù jiù shì zhè jiā rén de cán gēng shèng fàn。
The only food I ever got was the family's leftovers.
8
到目前为止他唯一的一次园艺经历非常令人满意。
dào mù qián wéi zhǐ tā wéi yī de yī cì yuán yì jīng lì fēi cháng líng rén mǎn yì。
His only experience of gardening so far proved immensely satisfying.
9
他的房子是我儿时唯一固定的家。
tā de fáng zǐ shì wǒ ér shí wéi yī gù dìng de jiā。
His house was the only settled home I had as a child.
10
他们在刚进门处的唯一一张空桌子边坐下。
tā mén zài gāng jìn mén chǔ de wéi yī yī zhāng kōng zhuō zǐ biān zuò xià。
They took the only free table, which was just inside the door.
Cultural Notes for 唯一
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of 唯一 can often be linked to familial relationships, where a child might be seen as the 唯一 (only) heir in a family. This reflects traditional values around lineage and the importance placed on having a sole representative of the family.
Frequently Asked Questions about 唯一
Yes, 唯一 can be used to describe a person, especially in contexts that emphasize their uniqueness, like '她是我唯一的朋友' (She is my only friend).
While it can be used, 唯一 is generally more formal, so it's often found in written language or speeches rather than casual dialogue.
Synonyms include 单一 (dān yī - single) and 独一无二 (dú yī wú èr - unique), which also emphasize the idea of being one of a kind.
