Meanings of 一
By ear
Play it, then pick what 一 means.
About 一
Podcast: 一
Podcast: 一
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 一
Common mistakes include using 一 in contexts that require other numerals or articles, such as saying '一 apple' instead of '一个苹果' (yí gè píng guǒ). It's important to remember that 一 can also mean 'whole' or 'entire' in phrases like '一切' (yī qiè), meaning 'everything.'
As an HSK Level 1 word, 一 is foundational for counting and basic sentence structure. Students should practice its pronunciation and learn to use it in various contexts, such as in counting and basic sentence formations.
Learners often confuse 一 with the character 乙 (yǐ), which represents the second position in the Chinese heavenly stems. For example, saying '一二' (yī èr) as 'one two' is correct, but saying '乙二' is incorrect and should be '二' (èr) for 'two'.
Pronunciation of 一
Drill the tone of 一 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 一 to You
Let me explain 一 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 一 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 一?
Learning Lab
Knowing 一 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Etymology of 一
A single horizontal stroke, representing the number one.
Represents heaven (天), earth (旦), or the number 1
Origin
What kind of character is 一?
How to say one in Chinese
“one” in Chinese is一
The character 一 (yī) means 'one' and is used to denote the numeral 1, signifying singularity or unity. It can also function as an article meaning 'a' or 'an' in certain contexts, and serves as the first radical in many Chinese characters, indicating its foundational nature in the language.
When to use 一
Common mistakes include using 一 in contexts that require other numerals or articles, such as saying '一 apple' instead of '一个苹果' (yí gè píng guǒ). It's important to remember that 一 can also mean 'whole' or 'entire' in phrases like '一切' (yī qiè), meaning 'everything.'
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 一 with the character 乙 (yǐ), which represents the second position in the Chinese heavenly stems. For example, saying '一二' (yī èr) as 'one two' is correct, but saying '乙二' is incorrect and should be '二' (èr) for 'two'.
Write 一
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 一 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 一
一 functions as a number. It almost always combines with a measure word before a noun (三个人, 五本书). Standalone numbers are rare outside of math or counting. It carries 12 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
他____边走路，一边唱歌。
He walks while singing.
Common Confusions with 一
Similar in shape and sound, but different in meaning.
Similar in shape and sound, but represents a different number.
Which one
Which one means “one”?
Example Sentences for 一 (16)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 一?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Cultural Notes for 一
The character 一 is simple yet significant in Chinese culture. It symbolizes unity and wholeness, reflecting the idea that everything begins with one.
Word Family of 一
Characters with 一
What does 在 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 一
Yes, 一 (yī) is commonly used in various Chinese idioms and expressions. For instance, '一见钟情' (yījiàn zhōngqíng) means 'love at first sight.' Understanding how 一 is used in these phrases can help learners grasp its contextual meanings.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 一?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.