Definition
淡 (dàn) has three meanings: bland/weak in taste or concentration, light in color, and indifferent in attitude. For food, 清淡 (qīng dàn) is more specific—'light, not greasy'—while 淡 is broader. For attitude, 冷淡 (lěng dàn) is stronger and more negative than 淡's milder indifference.
adjective
blandweakinsipid (of taste or concentration)light (of color)indifferentcold (of manner or emotion)
Easily confused
- 谈tánlook-aliketo talk; to discuss
- 但dànsound-alikebut, yet, however (conjunction indicating contrast)
- 痰tánlook-alikephlegm
- 单dānsound-alike(noun) bill; list; form (a written note)
- 灰huīlook-alike(noun) ash; dust; lime (powdery substance)
- 担dānsound-aliketo undertake, to shoulder, to bear (responsibility, risk, etc.)
- 炼liànlook-aliketo refine (skills, writing, etc.)
- 担dànsound-alike(noun) a load carried on a shoulder pole; a burden
Examples
- 淡，。Zhè bēi kāfēi tài dàn le, méi shénme wèidào.This cup of coffee is too weak, there's not much flavor.
- 淡。Tā xǐhuan chuān dàn sè de yīfu.She likes to wear light-colored clothes.
- 。Tā duì zhè jiàn shì de tàidu hěn lěngdàn.His attitude toward this matter is very indifferent.
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