単

JLPT N3

Simple, single

Readings

On’yomi: タン (tan)

Kun’yomi: ひとえ (hitoe)

• ひとえ – single, one layer (used mainly in older or compound forms)

Structure

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Detailed Explanation

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Mnemonic

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Etymology

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Visual Tip

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Vocabulary

単語

たんご

word

簡単

かんたん

easy

単位

たんい

unit

単独

たんどく

alone

単純

たんじゅん

simple

Example Sentences

単語を覚えます。

たんごをおぼえます。

I memorize words.

簡単です。

かんたんです。

It is easy.

単位を取ります。

たんいをとります。

I earn credits.

単独行動です。

たんどくこうどうです。

He acts alone.

単純な問題です。

たんじゅんなもんだいです。

It is a simple problem.

Cultural Note

🌸 The concept of 単 in Japanese culture is closely tied to simplicity and purity, values deeply appreciated in aesthetics and daily life.
• Expressions like 簡単 (easy/simple) and 単純 (plain/uncomplicated) reflect the Japanese admiration for clarity and minimalism.
• In art and design, simplicity (単) is seen as elegance — “less is more.”
• In Buddhist philosophy, it also symbolizes purity of mind and freedom from distraction.