Tell me more ×
Chinese Language & Usage Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for students, teachers, and linguists wanting to discuss the finer points of the Chinese language. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 2 down vote favorite
1

If I were to translate "I only like you" I'd say

我只喜歡你

Wǒ zhǐ xǐ huan nǐ

However I have seen the following

我只喜歡你一個

Wǒ zhǐ xǐ huan nǐ yī ge

Translated as

I like you alone

What is the effect of adding the "一個"?

share|improve this question
1  
This effect is already clear in English, no? – NS.X. Feb 4 at 1:51
1  
Or if you want to be fancy with the translation: "You are my one and only true love". Just don't use it in real life. Trust me, it has never worked for me lol... – deutschZuid Feb 4 at 9:47
1  
"I like you alone" isn't good english which threw me off. I had a minor thought that it might mean "I only like you when you're on your own" – Matthew Rudy 马泰 Feb 4 at 9:55
I've heard "I like you and you alone" but not sure how authentic it is in English... – NS.X. Feb 4 at 19:25
@NS.X Replace "alone" with "only" should do the trick. Alone just doesn't sound right to me (but of course it can be understood). – deutschZuid Feb 4 at 22:37
show 1 more comment

2 Answers

up vote 4 down vote accepted

It is there for emphasis.

The two sentences have similar meanings, while the one with "一個" has more emphasis on that you are the ONLY one that I like. It can be used to transfer stronger emotion.

share|improve this answer
this is the answer I was looking for, thanks. – Matthew Rudy 马泰 Feb 4 at 9:56
up vote 0 down vote

Just as NS.X said in comment, your translation is already clear

我只喜歡你一個

I like you alone

Or we can translate as follow

You are the only one I love / like.

share|improve this answer

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.