Definitions
(numeral)
one; 1
(adjective)
single; alone
(adjective)
whole; entire; all
(adverb)
as soon as
Etymology
A single horizontal stroke, representing the number one.
About
Representing the numeral "one", this ideogram uses a single horizontal stroke to visually depict a single unit. Historically, it served as the foundational element of the numerical system, symbolizing unity, singleness, and the starting point of a sequence. Its meaning expanded beyond a strict numerical value to include broader grammatical roles, such as indicating the entirety of an action or state in certain structures, or meaning "as soon as" when placed before a verb. While it functions as a radical for categorizing other characters, it is primarily used independently in everyday writing.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我有一个苹果。
这是一本好书。
他一天工作八小时。
我一下班就回家。
我一点也不累。
你一说话，我就知道是谁。
这个苹果比那个大一倍。
一旦你决定了，就不要改变主意。