HSK 7
唯独
wéi dú
Only, solely
Explanation
唯独 (wéidú) is an adverb (a word that modifies a verb) meaning "only, solely," setting a single exception apart from a general whole in order to emphasize the difference.
[state the general situation with 都/全 (all/entire)], 唯独 + the exceptional object + the contrasting situation.
when you want to highlight a single case that stands outside and contrasts sharply with the rest; it leans somewhat toward written language and is more formal than 只有 (zhǐyǒu, only) or 就 (jiù).
只有 merely states "only" in a neutral way; whereas 唯独 always carries a sense of opposition against a previously mentioned backdrop of "everyone/everything is...," with a stronger emphatic tone.
forgetting the general backdrop clause beforehand (having no "都/全" to create contrast) leaves 唯独 without support; placing 唯独 in the wrong position — it must stand immediately before the exceptional object.
Examples
The whole class was listening attentively to the lecture, only he was sleeping.
He does not care about anything, only he cannot stand his family's lack of understanding.
Practice
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Learn “唯独” effectively
The grammar point “唯独” (Only, solely) is one of the key structures at HSK 7. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.
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