唯一

• Pinyin: wéi yī
• Hanzi breakdown: 唯 = 口 (mouth) + 隹 (bird), only; 一 = numeral one

Meaning

Only; sole; unique; the one and only.

Emphasizes that there is only one of something, with no alternatives or duplicates. A strong word that indicates exclusivity or singularity. Can modify nouns directly (唯一的机会 the only opportunity) or be used predicatively. Very common in both formal and casual speech.

Examples

1. 这是我唯一的要求，希望你能答应。 This is my only request — I hope you can agree.
2. 她是家里唯一的女孩，父母特别宠爱她。 She's the only girl in the family, so her parents particularly dote on her.
3. 努力工作是他唯一知道的事情。 Working hard is the only thing he knows how to do.

Usage Guide

Context: emphasis, description, everyday

Tone: emphatic

Do Say

• 唯一的办法。(The only way.)
• 你是我唯一的朋友。(You're my only friend.)

Don't Say

• 唯一的两个 — contradictory; 唯一 means exactly one, not 'the only two'

Origin & History

Compound of 唯 (only/alone) + 一 (one), meaning only one, emphasizing singularity.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal