Japanese Conversation · Level 96
60 words
Japanese word
唯一
Pronunciation
Romajiyuiitsu
Meaning
- nounonly
Example
私の唯一の趣味は読書です。watashi no yui itsu no shu mi wa doku sho de su
My only hobby is reading.
More examples
彼女は私の唯一の相談相手です。kano jo wa watashi no yui itsu no sō dan ai te de su
She is the only person I can ask for advice.
Core concept
Points to a single item that is the only one fitting a category, situation, or choice.
Common phrases
唯一の方法yui itsu no hō hō
only way
唯一の理由yui itsu no ri yū
only reason
唯一の機会yui itsu no ki kai
only opportunity
Similar words
唯一無二yuiitsumuni: A person or thing that is unmatched and has no equivalent.
Definition in Japanese
同じ種類や条件のものがほかになく、一つだけであること。ona ji shu rui ya jō ken no mo no ga ho ka ni na ku hito tsu da ke de a ru ko to
Word origin
The Sino-Japanese word 唯一 (yuiitsu) combines 唯 (yui, "only") with 一 (itsu, "one"), giving the sense of "only one."
Usage tips
- In everyday conversation, 唯一 (yuiitsu) identifies one remaining or qualifying choice, so it often appears when a speaker narrows several possibilities to a single option.