Meaning and Usage
The word '유일' means 'only' or 'sole' and is used to emphasize that something or someone is unique in a particular context. It often appears before nouns to highlight exclusivity.
Common Collocations
- 유일한 사람 (the only person): used to single out one individual.
- 유일한 방법 (the only method): emphasizes the sole way to do something.
- 유일하게 ~하다 (to be the only one to do something): highlights exclusivity in action.
Register and Nuance
'유일' is a formal word often used in written and spoken Korean, suitable for academic, professional, or serious contexts. It is less common in casual conversation where simpler words like '하나뿐인' might be used.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '유일' with '단 하나' or '오직', which also mean 'only'. '유일' specifically stresses uniqueness and exclusivity, while '단 하나' emphasizes quantity (just one), and '오직' stresses exclusivity but is more adverbial.
Use '유일' when you want to highlight that there is no other alternative or counterpart in the context.