Rare & Complextop / bottom

单dān, shàn, chán

single; one (单独, 单一); simple (简单); odd-numbered (单号); a sheet; list (名单)

单 is single — one alone, a simple sheet, a name list.

GF0025–2021 character list · 二级
One character pageAll readings and linked senses stay together.

top / bottom

The header calls the formation 象形; the modern stacked pieces are shown visually without a historical story.

top / bottom · 单

WHOLE CHARACTER

单dān, shàn, chán

single; one (单独, 单一); simple (简单); odd-numbered (单号); a sheet; list (名单)

单 is single — one alone, a simple sheet, a name list.

The header calls the formation 象形; the modern stacked pieces are shown visually without a historical story.

TOP PIECE (丷)

丷

Notice this part of the shape; it is not taught as a separate word in this lesson.

In 单: top piece (丷) The two-dot top; no role is claimed.

MIDDLE PIECE (日)

日rì

sun; day

日 gives a sun/day/time clue in combined characters.

In 单: middle piece (日) The middle field piece; no historical role is claimed.

BOTTOM PIECE (十)

十shí

ten

Described structurally in 早; no invented story.

In 单: bottom piece (十) The bottom cross piece.

dānTone 1
  • single; one (单独, 单一)
  • simple (简单)
  • odd-numbered (单号)
  • a sheet; list (名单)
  • 名单míngdānname list; roster
  • 单独dāndúalone; by oneself
shànTone 4surname
  • a family name

No common modern word is offered for this reading; the dictionary sense remains in Sources.

chánTone 2dictionary: the Xiongnu ruler's title (单于)
  • used in 单于

No common modern word is offered for this reading; the dictionary sense remains in Sources.

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