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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing uniqueness with 唯一 (wéiyī)

    Degree & Intensity
    Emphasis

    Structure

    唯一 + 的 + Noun

    Explanation

    唯一 (wéiyī) means 'the only' or 'sole.' It is used to emphasize that something is the one and only of its kind. It functions as an adjective and is often placed before a noun, as in 唯一移动的是风 (the only thing moving was the wind).

    Examples

    • 他是我唯一的弟弟，我很在乎他。

      Tā shì wǒ wéiyī de dìdi, wǒ hěn zàihu tā.

      He is my only younger brother, and I care about him a lot.

    • 这是我们唯一的机会，一定要抓住。

      Zhè shì wǒmen wéiyī de jīhuì, yīdìng yào zhuāzhù.

      This is our only chance; we must seize it.

    • 她是班上唯一去过日本的学生。

      Tā shì bān shàng wéiyī qùguò Rìběn de xuéshēng.

      She is the only student in the class who has been to Japan.

    Often Confused With

    Expressing uniqueness with 唯一 (wéiyī) | Chinese Grammar