Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| ユニーク | yunīku | [jɯ̟ɲ̟iːkɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 唯一無二 | yuiitsumuni | [jɯ̟iit͡sɨmɯ̟ɲ̟i] (narrow) |
Japanese uses different terms depending on whether you are describing someone's quirky personality or something that is truly incomparable. ユニーク is often used to describe a person's personality as 'quirky' or 'interesting' rather than just 'one of a kind'. To describe someone's distinctiveness or individuality, you can use 個性的, while 特異な is used to refer to something that is uniquely odd or peculiar.
What does it mean word for word?
The idiom 唯一無二 literally means "the only one and nothing else." It is composed of 唯一 (only one) and 無二 (without a second).
Which one should you use?
ユニーク is a loanword used for more casual or personality-based uniqueness, such as being quirky.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because ユニーク is a loanword acting as a na-adjective, you must add な to it when it modifies a noun, forming ユニークな.
How do you pronounce it?
yunīku
Did you know?
- The expression 唯一無二 can be traced back to the same classical Chinese roots used in the phrase 獨一無二, meaning the concepts of absolute singularity are shared across East Asian linguistic history.
- The phrase 唯一無二 is a 'yojijukugo', a specific type of four-character idiom that is often used in formal writing or classical literature to add a rhythmic, sophisticated flair to a description.
- Using 特異な to mean 'unique' can actually sound quite clinical or scientific, as it is often used to describe strange phenomena or biological anomalies.
Examples in context
- 会社にパンタロンとアロハシャツを着てくる彼は、かなりユニークな存在だ。He's a pretty unique guy, wearing bell bottoms and Hawaiian shirts to the office.The sentence is useful for describing a person who is a pretty unique guy based on their clothing.Tatoeba #185285 by mookeee, translation #22417 by Luornu
- そのアイデアは他に例のない、唯一無二のものです。That idea is truly unique and incomparable.
- このデザインはとてもユニークだね。This design is very unique, isn't it?
- 彼女の個性的なファッションはいつも話題だ。Her unique fashion always makes a great conversation topic.
- あのレストランの料理はめずらしい味がする。The food at that restaurant has a unique flavor.
- 彼の考え方はとても独特だけど興味深い。His way of thinking is very unique, but it's fascinating.
- 彼はとてもユニークな考えを持っている。Kare wa totemo yuniiku na kangae o motte iru.He has very unique ideas.
- このデザインはとてもユニークですね。Kono dezain wa totemo yuniiku desu ne.This design is quite unique, isn't it?
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing a new piece of art in the office.
- 大翔 Hirotoこの絵、すごくユニークだね。Kono e, sugoku yuniiku da ne.This painting is really unique.
- 美咲 Misaki本当ですね。色の使い方が面白いです。Hontou desu ne. Iro no tsukaikata ga omoshiroi desu.It truly is. The way the colors are used is interesting.
- 大翔 Hiroto美咲さんのセンス、素晴らしいよ。Misaki-san no sensu, subarashii yo.Misaki, you have great taste.
- 美咲 Misakiありがとうございます、大翔さん。Arigatou gozaimasu, Hiroto-san.Thank you, Hiroto.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “unique” translations and entries ユニーク, 唯一無二, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ユニーク, 唯一無二, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
