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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'simply' with 单 (dān)

    Degree & Intensity
    Emphasis

    Structure

    单 + Verb Phrase

    Explanation

    单 (dān) can function as an adverb meaning 'simply,' 'only,' or 'merely,' emphasizing that something is limited or singular. In this usage it appears before a verb phrase to narrow the scope of the action. It is more commonly seen in written or formal Chinese.

    Examples

    • 单看成绩,他确实进步了不少。

      dān kàn chéngjì, tā quèshí jìnbù le bù shǎo.

      Judging by his grades alone, he has indeed made a lot of progress.

    • 这件事不能单靠一个人完成。

      zhè jiàn shì bù néng dān kào yī gè rén wánchéng.

      This matter cannot be completed by one person alone.

    • 单从外表来看,很难分辨真假。

      dān cóng wàibiǎo lái kàn, hěn nán fēnbiàn zhēnjiǎ.

      Judging solely by appearance, it's hard to tell the real from the fake.