单 (dān) - single & alone

单Tone 1

dān ｜ 8 strokes ｜ radical: 十

橙丁

单 · dān

single;

alone;

unlined (clothing);

odd (number);

list;

bill;

thin;

weak;

used in surnames and place names.

singlealoneunlined (clothing)

Usage highlights

singlelist/formunlined clothingodd numberunit pricesimple

Synonyms

  • 独— alone; single
  • 孤— solitary; lone
  • 一— one

Antonyms

  • 双— double; pair
  • 复— multiple; complex
  • 多— many

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He lives alone (单独).
  • This is a single room (单人间).
  • Please fill out the form (填写单据).
  • I only have a thin jacket (单衣).

Collocations

  • single(单独)
  • list/form(单据)
  • unlined clothing(单衣)
  • odd number(单数)
  • unit price(单价)
  • simple(简单)

Idioms

  • Single-handed and unarmed(单枪匹马)
  • A single thread doesn't make a cord(单丝不成线)
  • Living alone without spouse(单丁之身)
  • Simple and unadorned(单刀直入)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Used as a surname with origins in the Spring and Autumn period.
  • In ancient times, '单' referred to unlined clothing, contrasting with lined '复' clothing.
  • Associated with simplicity and singularity in Chinese philosophy.

FAQ