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惟 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
惟
wéi
but, however, nevertheless; only
b, 11 strokes, radical 忄, rank #22810, Very Hard
惟
wéi
-ism
unknown, 11 strokes, radical 忄, rank #22810, Very Hard
wéi(wei2)wei 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
By ear
Play it, then pick what 惟 means.
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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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
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
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 dúshū gāo.
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 zìyuàn juānxiàn de zèng kuǎn, wéi yǒu xià yì yuàn cáinéng jiēshòu.
The taxes are a voluntary gift and grant of Commons alone.
3
他是我们 中间 惟一懂俄语的人.
tā shì wǒmen zhōngjiān wéi yī dǒng éyǔ de rén.
He is the only one who [ that ] knows Russian.
4
大家都累了,惟有约翰不累.
dàjiā dōu lèi le, wéi yǒu yāo hàn bù lèi.
Everyone was tired except John.
5
日光透过玻璃屋顶照入; 眼下这是室内惟一的照明.
rì guāng tòuguò bōli wūdǐng zhào rù; yǎnxià zhè shì shì nèi wéi yī de zhàomíng.
Daylight came in through its glass roof; this was now the only illumination.
6
现在,吃饱、穿暖已经不是惟一的目的.
xiànzài, chī bǎo、 chuān nuǎn yǐjīng bùshì wéi yī de mùdì.
To be amply fed and clothed is not the only purpose now.
7
人穿的鞋子会因吸饱了水而变紧,惟其本人则不会(醉).
rén chuān de xié zi huì yīn xī bǎo le shuǐ ér biàn jǐn, wéi qí běnrén zé bù huì( zuì).
A man's shoes get tight by imbibe water, but he do not.
8
他是当时惟一醒着的男孩.
tā shì dāngshí wéi yī xǐng zhe de nán hái.
He was the only one boy awake at that time.
9
压制这群暴徒的惟一方法是使用催泪瓦斯.
yāzhì zhè qún bào tú de wéi yī fāngfǎ shì shǐyòng cuī lèi wǎ Sī.
The only way to curb this unruly mob is to use tear gas.
10
他走起路来一瘸一拐的, 那是他惟一的残疾.
tā zǒu qǐ lù lái yī qué yī guǎi de, nà shì tā wéi yī de cánjí.
He walks with a limp; that is his only disability.
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Word Family of 惟
Words containing this character10
惟一only
惟wéi-ism
惟有only
惟妙惟肖to imitate to perfection
惟独only惟獨
惟利是图self-seeking惟利是圖
惟恐lest
不惟not only
伏惟to lie prostrate
惟命是听to follow obediently惟命是聽
Exercise 1 of 4
Words with 惟
What does 惟一 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 惟
You can use 惟 to create a contrast, such as '我惟有这个选择' (I only have this choice).
惟 is more commonly found in written or formal contexts rather than in casual conversation.
Yes, 惟 can be synonymous with 但是 (dànshì) for 'but' or 仅 (jǐn) for 'only', depending on the context.
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