Common Meanings
1
dān单
Not complex; simple; pure; monotonous.
这个任务很简单，你很快就能完成。
This task is very simple; you will be able to complete it quickly.
single; sole; individual
他喜欢单独旅行。
He likes to travel alone.
only; merely; solely
单靠一个人是很难完成这项任务的。
It's very difficult for one person alone to complete this task.
odd (number); single, not paired
我喜欢在单日跑步。
I like to run on odd-numbered days.
Thin, weak; often referring to clothing, a person's build, or a foundation lacking substance.
冬天穿得单薄容易着凉。
Wearing thin clothes in winter makes it easy to catch a cold.
Single-layered; unlined (referring to clothing, like trousers or garments without extra lining).
天气热了，可以穿单衣了。
The weather is getting warm, so you can wear unlined clothes.
A sheet or cover, often used for bedding, such as a bedsheet or quilt cover.
我需要换一下床单了。
I need to change the bedsheets.
A slip of paper or a form used for recording information, such as receipts, flyers, or lists.
请核对这份名单上的信息。
Please check the information on this list.
A monk's meditation mat or bed in a Zen hall.
禅堂里，老和尚坐在他的单上打坐
In the Zen hall, the old monk sat meditating on his mat.
2
shàn单
surname
3
chán单
"Chán" as in "Chányú" (单于) refers to the title for the supreme leader of the Xiongnu, an ancient nomadic empire.
匈奴单于的权势曾盛极一时。
The power of the Xiongnu Chányú was once immense.