Japanese meaning of 唯一無二
Reading:
ゆいいつむに (yuiitsu muni)
English Translation:
The one and only, irreplaceable
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
The one and only; singular and irreplaceably unique.
Cultural Context:
Common in marketing, awards, and museum labels to elevate uniqueness; effective but can sound hyperbolic if overused.
比類がなく、代えがたい唯一の存在。
宣伝文句・表彰・展示解説で「独自性」を強調する常套句。乱用すると誇張的に響く。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Noun phrase meaning “one and only,” often used with “の存在” to emphasize uniqueness.
Trap for English Speakers
Can be mistaken as “only one in number” without recognizing the nuance of irreplaceability.
Example
Basic Example
この作品は彼女の唯一無二の代表作だ。
This piece is her one and only, irreplaceable masterpiece.
Applied Example
彼女は私の人生で唯一無二の存在だ。
She is the one and only in my life.