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唯一 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
唯一
wéiyī
only
HSK 5, b, 12 strokes, rank #426, Hard
唯一
wéiyī
sole
HSK 5, b, 12 strokes, rank #426, Hard
wéiyī(wei2yi1)wei yi T2
1only
2sole
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
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.
Strokes12Frequency#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
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 唯一 means.
About 唯一
唯一Simplified
12Strokes
—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.
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.
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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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.
When to use 唯一
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).
唯一 or something close to it
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.
What learners get wrong
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.
Write 唯一
唯
一
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Practice writing 唯一 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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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
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
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 (16)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
我们之间唯一的差别就是肤色。
wǒmen zhījiān wéiyī de chābié jiùshì 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 suǒyǒu de yíqiè—— wǒ wéiyī de bànlǚ。
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。
wéiyī de shēng xiǎng shì bīng céng pī pī pā pā suì liè de shēngyīn。
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 rènwéi qǔdé chénggōng wéiyī de gòngtóng yàosù shì qínfèn。
I think the only common denominator of success is hard work.
