独
single; alone; only; selfish
Meanings
6 senses · 30 examplesadjective
single; sole
Used to indicate singularity or uniqueness.
He is the only son in the family.
This single-log bridge is dangerous, everyone be careful.
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It is truly not unique that he encountered this too.
This unique skill is rarely seen nowadays.
She likes being alone and dislikes hustle and bustle.
adverb
by oneself; alone; independently
Describes an action done without others.
He walked from Beijing to Shanghai all by himself.
Everyone should think independently and not echo what others say.
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This job is difficult, but he is capable of handling it alone.
He always acts arbitrarily and doesn't listen to others' opinions.
The boss wants to monopolize power and doesn't trust the employees.
noun
a childless old person
literaryOften used in the idiom '鳏寡孤独' referring to those without family support.
Ancient society attached great importance to caring for the widowed, widowed, orphaned, and childless.
Several childless elderly people live in the nursing home.
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Mencius said: 'Care for one's own elders and extend this to others' elders; care for one's own young and extend this to others' young, so that the widowed, orphaned, and childless are all cared for.'
That old man had no children and his later years were very desolate.
Social welfare policies guarantee the basic livelihood of childless elderly people.
adverb
only; solely
Emphasizes exclusivity.
Everyone has arrived, only he hasn't come yet.
Only here can you see the most beautiful sunrise.
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On this issue, only he remained clear-headed.
I don't like eating fruit, but I especially like eating watermelon.
Everyone opposed this plan, only the boss supported it.
adjective
selfish; possessive
informalColloquial usage describing someone who doesn't like to share.
This person is really selfish; he never shares good food with others.
Don't be so exclusive; it's only fun when we play together.
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He has a very solitary and selfishly possessive personality, so he has very few friends.
This child is too possessive about his food.
Nobody likes people who are too selfishly exclusive.
proper noun
a surname
Used as a Chinese family name.
Dugu Xin was a famous general during the Northern Wei Dynasty.
The surname Du is a relatively rare surname.
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May I ask your surname? My surname is Du.
There are many compound surnames in history, such as Dugu and Ouyang.
The Dugu compound surname originated from the Xianbei ethnic group.