Meaning
唯一 means 'the only one' or 'unique' and emphasizes that something is singular or without equivalent. It expresses exclusivity—that no other option, alternative, or example exists. This word is commonly used to stress that something is irreplaceable or that there are no other choices.
Usage
唯一 is used in both written and spoken Chinese to emphasize uniqueness or exclusivity. It often appears before nouns (唯一的办法 'the only way') or as a predicate (他是唯一的 'he is the only one'). It carries a somewhat formal or emphatic tone compared to casual alternatives like 只有.
Examples
- 01这是唯一的解决办法。.This is the only solution.
- 02你是我唯一的朋友。.You are my only friend.
Characters
Common collocations
- 唯一的办法the only way/method
- 唯一的选择the only choice
- 唯一的机会the only chance
- 唯一的希望the only hope
Antonyms
Origin
唯 originally meant 'to answer, to respond' in Classical Chinese but evolved to mean 'only' or 'solely.' Combined with 一 (one), 唯一 literally means 'only one,' reinforcing the concept of singularity.