Meanings of 单
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About 单
Podcast: 单
Podcast: 单
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AI Study Notes for 单
单 (single) vs 独 (alone) — use 单 when emphasizing singularity in quantity, while 独 conveys a sense of solitude or being alone.
Imagine a lone single leaf (单) fluttering in the wind. The shape of the character resembles a leaf standing alone, emphasizing the concept of being single or solitary. Picture the leaf as a bill, fluttering in the breeze, reminding you of its other meaning.
Be mindful of using '单' appropriately in both formal and informal contexts. For instance, '单身' (dān shēn) means 'single' as in not married, whereas in a restaurant, you might ask for the '单' (bill). Common mistakes include confusing it with '双' (shuāng), which means 'double'.
Although '单' is not explicitly listed in HSK levels, it's useful for beginners as it connects to basic vocabulary about numbers and personal status. Focus on its usage in phrases like '单个' (dān gè - single unit) and '单独' (dān dú - alone) to enhance your understanding.
In Chinese dining culture, asking for the '单' (bill) can signify the end of a meal, and it’s common to split the '单' among friends. This reflects the social aspect of dining in China, where sharing and treating one another is significant.
Learners often confuse '单' with '双' (double). For example, saying '我想要一个双的单' (wǒ xiǎng yào yī gè shuāng de dān) mistakenly suggests a 'double bill' instead of just asking for a 'single bill'. The correct phrase would simply be '我想要一个单' (wǒ xiǎng yào yī gè dān).
Pronunciation of 单
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Etymology of 单
Simplified form of 單. Pictograph of a hunting or military trap constructed from two rocks and a net. The current meaning "single" is a phonetic loan.
Decomposition of 单
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Write 单
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Practice writing 单 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 单
单 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 10 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
先看菜____，再点菜。
First look at the menu, then order.
Common Confusions with 单
Similar sound and some visual similarity.
Spot the Difference
Which character means "bill"?
Example Sentences for 单 (10)
Cultural Notes for 单
'单' can refer to a bill, which is common in Chinese restaurants. The term is used when you ask for the check after a meal.
In Chinese dining culture, asking for the '单' (bill) can signify the end of a meal, and it’s common to split the '单' among friends. This reflects the social aspect of dining in China, where sharing and treating one another is significant.
There is a Chinese saying '单刀直入', which means to speak directly and clearly without beating around the bush.
Word Family of 单
Compound Meaning
What does 弹 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 单
单 (dān) means single or only, while 单独 (dān dú) specifically means alone or independently. You would use 单 to describe something that is one in number, whereas 单独 emphasizes the state of being separate or by oneself.