noun phrase HSK 1
Traditional 一個人
rén
one person · alone · by oneself

Meaning

This phrase literally means 'one person' but is commonly used to express being alone or doing something by oneself. It can describe physical solitude or the state of being single/unaccompanied.

Usage

Native speakers use this phrase both literally (to count one person) and idiomatically (to emphasize being alone or independent). It frequently appears in contexts describing loneliness, independence, or solo activities. The tone can be neutral, melancholic, or empowering depending on context.

Examples

  1. 01
    我习惯一个人住。
    guàn rén zhù.
    I'm used to living alone.
  2. 02
    房间里只有一个人
    Fáng jiān zhǐ yǒu rén.
    There is only one person in the room.

Characters

Common collocations

  • 一个人生活
    rén shēng huó
    to live alone
  • 一个人旅行
    rén xíng
    to travel alone
  • 一个人吃饭
    rén chī fàn
    to eat alone
  • 只有一个人
    zhǐ yǒu rén
    only one person

Antonyms

Origin

This is a straightforward compositional phrase combining the number 'one', the most common measure word for people, and the word for 'person'. No special etymological background.

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