only

JLPT N5 11 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Usage of

The character (wéi) is primarily used to mean "only" or "solely." It emphasizes exclusivity or uniqueness in a statement. It often appears in formal or literary contexts rather than casual speech.

Common Collocations

  • 唯有 + verb phrase: means "only by" or "only through," used to stress the necessity of an action.
  • 唯独 + noun/pronoun: emphasizes that only a particular person or thing is involved.
  • 唯一: a common compound meaning "the only one."

Nuances

Using adds a formal or literary tone compared to simpler words like (zhǐ). It often implies that no alternatives exist or that something is uniquely important.

Avoiding Confusion

Do not confuse with (wéi), which can mean "to do" or "because." Although they share the same pinyin, their meanings and usage differ significantly.

Summary

Use when you want to emphasize exclusivity or uniqueness in a formal or written context. It is less common in everyday spoken Mandarin but important for reading literature, formal writing, or classical texts.

Example Sentences

He only loves music and has no other interests.

Only through hard work can dreams be realized.

Only you can decide this matter.