Definition
单 (dān) has several common meanings. As a noun it refers to a written note like a bill, list, or form (菜单, 账单). As an adjective it means 'single', 'sole', or 'odd (number)' (单身, 单数). As an adverb it means 'only' or 'solely' (单靠). The classifier usage (个) is less frequent but can pair with the noun sense (一张单).
noun
billlistform (a written note)
adjective
singlesoleodd (number)
adverb
onlysolely
Measure word · 个
Easily confused
- 里lǐlook-alikeinside; interior; within
- 但dànsound-alikebut, yet, however (conjunction indicating contrast)
- 弹tánlook-aliketo play (a stringed or keyboard instrument) by pressing or plucking
- 淡dànsound-alikebland, weak, insipid (of taste or concentration)
- 担dānsound-aliketo undertake, to shoulder, to bear (responsibility, risk, etc.)
- 担dànsound-alike(noun) a load carried on a shoulder pole; a burden
Examples
- ，单。Fúwùyuán, qǐng bǎ dān gěi wǒ.Waiter, please give me the bill.
- ，。Tā xiànzài hái shì dān shēn, méiyǒu jiéhūn.He is still single, not married.
- 单，。Tā dān kào gōngzī shēnghuó, méiyǒu qítā shōurù.He lives solely on his salary, with no other income.
Browse more HSK 5 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.