獨一無二 / 独一无二
dúyīwú'èr
The English phrase "unique" can be translated into Chinese using several forms depending on the context. The default form is 獨一無二 / 独一无二 (dúyīwú'èr). Wiktionary also lists 唯一 (wéiyī) and 特異 / 特异 (tèyì).
Meaning: one of a kind (adj)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 獨一無二 / 独一无二 | dúyīwú'èr |
| 唯一 | wéiyī |
| 特異 / 特异 | tèyì |
It carries a highly positive, complimentary tone. A formal alternative to express being unique or different from the others is 与众不同 (yǔ zhòng bù tóng).
What does it mean word for word?
The idiom 獨一無二 literally breaks down to mean 'only one, and not a second one' (one, alone, no, two).
Which one should you use?
While 獨一無二 / 独一无二 emphasizes being incomparable or one-of-a-kind, 唯一 is used more neutrally to mean 'the only one' in a set (e.g., the only reason, the only person). 特異 / 特异 is often used to describe something that is 'unique' in the sense of being strange, abnormal or biologically distinct, rather than just being a rare treasure.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using 獨一無二 as an attributive adjective before a noun, you must add the particle 的 after it.
How do you pronounce it?
dúyīwú'èr
Did you know?
- If you use 特異 / 特异 to describe a person, you might accidentally imply they are a 'freak' or 'weird' rather than special.
- The phrase 獨一無二 is a 'chengyu', a traditional four-character idiom. These idioms are often treated as single units of meaning and are more prestigious than standard vocabulary.
- In ancient Chinese philosophy, the idea of being 'unique' or 'the one' was often tied to the 'Tao', representing the single source from which all diversity emerges.
Examples in context
- 这幅画很独特This painting is very unique.
- 这个礼物非常特别This gift is very unique.
- 她的风格与众不同Her style is unique.
- 这家店的装饰独一无二The decoration of this store is unique.
- 他的创意真没谁了His creativity is truly unique.
- 这个城市有许多独特的建筑。This city has many unique buildings.
- 他的声音非常特别。His voice is very unique.
- 这件艺术品与众不同。This artwork is unique.
- 这件衣服独一无二，别人不可能有。This clothing is one of a kind, nobody else can have it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “unique” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
