yī
繄
particle: only; is
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
2 senses · 5 examplesparticle
only; just (classical emphatic particle)
archaicUsed in classical Chinese as an emphatic particle equivalent to 惟 or 维, often preceding the subject to indicate exclusivity. Commonly seen in phrases like '伊谁' (who indeed) or '伊独' (only).
Yī伊
wǒ我
dú独
wú无
！
Only I lack it!
Yī伊
shuí谁
zhī之
lì力
？
Through whose effort is this?
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Yī伊
hú胡
dǐ底
zhǐ止
？
Where will this end?
copula
to be; is (classical copula)
archaicFunctions as a copula in classical Chinese, equivalent to 是 or 为, though less common than those forms. Often appears in fixed phrases like '匪伊朝夕' (not just since morning and evening).
Fěi匪
yī伊
zhāo朝
xī夕
。
It has not been just since morning and evening (i.e., it has been going on for a long time).
Yī伊
kě可
huái怀
yě也
。
It is worthy of cherishing.