一 (yī) - One & a single

一Tone 1

yī ｜ 1 stroke ｜ radical: 一

丁

一 · yī

One;

a single;

the same;

whole;

each;

once;

a little.

Onea singlethe same

Usage highlights

One personNumber oneAll the sameOnceA littleUnified

Synonyms

  • 壹— One (formal, financial)
  • 单— Single

Antonyms

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • One person (一个人).
  • Number one (第一).
  • All the same (一样).
  • Once upon a time (有一天).

Collocations

  • One person(一个人)
  • Number one(第一)
  • All the same(一样)
  • Once(一次)
  • A little(一点)
  • Unified(统一)

Idioms

  • Wholeheartedly(一心一意)
  • In perfect harmony(一唱一和)
  • One and only(独一无二)
  • United as one(万众一心)
  • At one glance(一目了然)
  • Kill two birds with one stone(一箭双雕)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The number one is fundamental in Chinese philosophy, representing the origin and unity of all things.
  • In Daoism, 'One' gives rise to the Two (Yin and Yang), which then produce all things.
  • It is considered an auspicious number, symbolizing beginnings and primacy.