wai2唯

Jyutpingwai2

Yalewái

Uncommon

Definition

Only, solely, or unique.

writtendescriptions

How it's used

Functions primarily as a formal or literary morpheme that rarely stands alone in spoken Cantonese. It is most frequently encountered in the compound 唯有, which expresses a sense of resignation or having no other viable alternative. Unlike 淨係, which simply denotes exclusivity, 唯有 carries a nuance of being forced into a single remaining path.

Examples

wai4唯jau5有gam3咁zou6做sin1先ho2可ji5以gaai2解kyut3決man6問tai4題。

Only by doing this can we solve the problem.

keoi5佢wai4唯jau5有zip3接sau6受ni1呢go3個on1安paai4排zaa5咋。

He had no choice but to accept this arrangement.

Common phrases

wai4唯jau5有

have no choice but to

wai4唯jat1一

the only one

Common mistake

Learners often confuse 唯有 with 只有. While both imply exclusivity, 唯有 specifically highlights a lack of other options, often implying a reluctant or forced decision, whereas 只有 is more neutral and factual.