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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#22810DifficultyHard
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
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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
Memory Mnemonic
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.
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.
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.
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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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.
The taxes are a voluntary gift and grant of Commons alone.
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.
xiàn zài, , chī、 bǎo 、 chuān nuǎn yǐ jīng bù shì wéi yī de.
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 zǐ huì yīn xī bǎo le shuǐ ér biàn jǐn, , wéi qí běn rén zé bù( huì).
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 dāng shí wéi yī xǐng zháo 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.
yā zhì zhè qún bào tú de wéi yī fāng fǎ shì shǐ yòng 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 cán.
He walks with a limp; that is his only disability.
Cultural Notes for 惟
🏮Cultural insight
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.
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
Compound Meaning
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.
