唯一無二の存在
yuiitsumuni no sonzai
The English phrase "my one and only" can be translated into Japanese as 唯一無二の存在 (yuiitsumuni no sonzai).
This phrase is used to describe a person who is unique, incomparable and irreplaceable in one's life.
What does it mean word for word?
This is linked to the noun 存在 (sonzai) via the particle の.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
唯一無二の存在 is quite formal and literary. It is typically found in writing, speeches or dramatic declarations rather than in casual daily conversation. For a formal way to say "the one and only person who is mine," you can use 私だけの唯一の人.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase 唯一無二の存在, the particle の functions as an attributive marker that links the idiom 唯一無二 to the noun 存在.
How do you pronounce it?
yuiitsumuni no sonzai
Did you know?
- While 唯一無二 describes something unique, if you want to say someone is 'the one' in a romantic sense, Japanese speakers often use the word 運命の人 (unmei no hito), which means 'person of destiny'.
- The phrase 唯一無二 is a four-character idiom known as a 'yojijukugo'. These rhythmic, four-kanji compounds are often used in literature to create a sense of weight and elegance.
- In Japanese culture, the most intense emotions are often expressed through understated language. Using a strong phrase like 唯一無二 is a deliberate choice to break that norm and signal extreme importance.
Examples in context
- 私だけの唯一の人、太郎さんThe one and only person who is mine, Tarō
- 彼は私にとって唯一無二の存在です。Kare wa watashi ni totte yuitsu muni no sonzai desu.He is a one and only person to me.
- 彼女は僕の唯一無二の存在だ。Kanojo wa boku no yuitsu muni no sonzai da.She is my one and only.
- それは私にとって唯一無二の存在です。Sore wa watashi ni totte yuitsu muni no sonzai desu.That is an irreplaceable presence to me.
Example conversation
A young couple is talking about their relationship during a walk in a park.
- 陽葵 Himari陽太さんは、私にとって唯一無二の存在だよ。Youta-san wa, watashi ni totte yuitsu muni no sonzai da yo.Youta, you are my one and only.
- 陽太 Yotaありがとう、陽葵も僕にとって唯一無二の存在だよ。Arigatou, Himari mo boku ni totte yuitsu muni no sonzai da yo.Thank you, Himari, you are also my one and only.
- 陽葵 Himari本当に嬉しい。Hontou ni ureshii.I am truly happy.
- 陽太 Yotaずっと大切にするよ。Zutto taisetsu ni suru yo.I will cherish you forever.
