散 (sàn) means 'to disperse, scatter, spread, or distribute' — it is a general verb for things or people moving apart or being handed out. Compared to 分散 (fēn sàn), which emphasizes the result of becoming separated, 散 focuses on the action itself; 散发 (sàn fā) adds the nuance of emitting or giving off (like a smell), while 散布 (sàn bù) is specifically for spreading news or rumors. 散 is broader and more common in everyday use.