惟 (wéi) - Only & alone

惟Tone 2

wéi ｜ 11 strokes ｜ radical:

万响

惟 · wéi

Only;

alone;

but;

however;

used in classical Chinese as a particle expressing emphasis or limitation;

to think;

to consider.

Onlyalonebut

Usage highlights

OnlyOnly thenTo thinkTo ponderOnly becauseOnly wish

Synonyms

  • 只— only; merely
  • 仅— only; merely
  • 唯— only; alone (often interchangeable with 惟)
  • 思— to think; to consider

Antonyms

  • 多— many; much
  • 众— numerous; many
  • 皆— all; every

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • Only then did I understand (惟其如此).
  • I think therefore I am (我思故我在).
  • This is the only way (惟此一途).
  • He is the only suitable candidate (惟他合适).

Collocations

  • Only(惟一)
  • Only then(惟其)
  • To think(思维)
  • To ponder(思惟)
  • Only because(惟因)
  • Only wish(惟愿)

Idioms

  • Commanding the services of all(惟命是从)
  • Acting on orders(惟命是听)
  • The only thing feared is(惟恐)
  • Thinking and pondering(思维思惟)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Used extensively in classical Chinese texts as a function word expressing limitation or emphasis.
  • Appears in many classical philosophical and literary works, particularly from the pre-Qin and Han periods.
  • The character carries a formal, literary tone due to its classical usage.

FAQ