Translation and Meaning of: 単 - hitoe

The word 「単」 (hitoe) in the Japanese context has various semantic dimensions. At its core, 「単」 is a kanji that carries the meaning of "unique," "simple," or "solitary." This idea of uniqueness translates into several nuances in the Japanese language, often being associated with concepts of simplicity or singularity. In the writing of the kanji, we observe the combination of elements that suggest the idea of something unique and distinct.

Etymologically, 「単」 can be broken down into different radicals that help to better understand its meaning. The radical 「口」 (kuchi), which means "mouth," can be interpreted as something that encompasses or resembles a delimitation of something singular. Furthermore, the overall structure of the kanji suggests a simplified form, conveying the idea of something reduced to its fundamental essence. This understanding of the kanji is reinforced in compound words and expressions in Japanese, where 「単」 is often used as a prefix or suffix to convey the idea of simplicity or singularity.

In Japanese culture, the notion of 「ひとえ」 (hitoe) is also tied to different contexts. In clothing, for example, 「ひとえ」 can refer to single-layer garments, in contrast to more complex and structured pieces. This usage denotes not only the idea of singularity but also practicality and simplicity in design. Transcending clothing, 「ひとえ」 can also be metaphorically associated with concepts of simplified living and minimalism, which are values esteemed in various Japanese cultural practices.

The versatile nature of the kanji 「単」 in word compositions is another interesting aspect. For example, in 「単数」 (tansū), the word refers to "singular number," conveying the notion of a single unit in contrast to plurality. In 「単純」 (tanjun), the meaning of "simple" or "not complicated" is emphasized, fitting perfectly with the etymological root of the kanji. These examples illustrate how the inherent simplicity of 「単」 manifests in different linguistic and cultural contexts in Japan.

Comprehending the depth of 「単」 and its variations like 「ひとえ」 is not just a linguistic lesson, but also a window into Japanese cultural values focused on the beauty of the simple and the singular. Knowing these nuances allows for a richer and more engaging appreciation of the language and Japanese culture in general.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 単独 (Tandoku) - Alone, independent.
• 唯一 (Yuiitsu) - Unique, singular.
• 単一 (Tannichi) - A single one, without variation.
• 単数 (Tansuu) - Singular form, one unit.
• 単に (Tanni) - Simply, just.
• 単数形 (Tansukei) - Form in singular.
• 単一の (Tannichi no) - Of a single nature or type.
• 単独行動 (Tandoku koudou) - Independent action.
• 単独生活 (Tandoku seikatsu) - Independent life.
• 単語 (Tango) - Single word, a term.
• 単位 (Tani) - Unit, measure.

単

Romaji: hitoe
Kana: ひとえ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: a layer; single

Meaning in English: one layer;single

Definition: A word that expresses "a thing" or "things that exist independently".

Example Sentences - (単) hitoe

See below some example sentences:

足し算は簡単です。

Soroban wa kantan desu

Addition is easy.

The addition is easy.

• 足し算 - Sum
• は - Topic particle
• 簡単 - easy, simple
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

キロは重さの単位です。

Kiro wa omosa no tan'i desu

Kilo is a unit of weight.

• キロ - short for "キログラム" (kilogram) in Japanese
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 重さ - "おもさ" (omosa) means "weight" in Japanese
• の - Possession particle in Japanese
• 単位 - "たんい" (tani) means "unit" in Japanese
• です - verb "to be" in Japanese, indicating a statement

グラムは重さを表す単位です。

Guramu wa omosa o hyōsu tanshi desu

Gram is a unit of measurement of weight.

Gram is a unit that represents weight.

• グラム - Japanese word meaning "grass"
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 重さ - Japanese noun meaning "weight"
• を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 表す - Japanese verb meaning "to represent"
• 単位 - Japanese noun meaning "unity"
• です - verb to be in Japanese, indicating that the sentence is a statement

この腕時計を着けるのはとても簡単です。

Kono udedokei wo tsukeru no wa totemo kantan desu

Wearing this watch is very easy.

• この - this
• 腕時計 - Wristwatch
• を - direct object particle
• 着ける - use, place
• のは - particle that indicates topic
• とても - very
• 簡単 - easy
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

このシールは簡単に付く。

Kono shiiru wa kantan ni tsuku

This sticker sticks easily.

This sticker is easily attached.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• シール - noun meaning "sticker" or "label"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 簡単に - adverb meaning "easily" or "simply"
• 付く - verb meaning "to adhere" or "to stick"

この仕事は単調でつまらないです。

Kono shigoto wa tanchō de tsumaranai desu

This work is monotonous and boring.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 仕事 - noun that means "work"
• は - topic particle that indicates that the subject of the sentence is "this work"
• 単調 - adjective that means "monotonous"
• で - particle that indicates the condition or means by which something is done, in this case, "in a monotonous way"
• つまらない - adjective that means "boring" or "dull"
• です - verb to be in the present, which indicates the affirmation of the sentence

この商品を入手するのは簡単ではありません。

Kono shouhin wo nyuushu suru no wa kantan de wa arimasen

It is not easy to get this product.

• この商品 - this product
• を - direct object particle
• 入手する - get
• のは - Topic particle
• 簡単ではありません - it's not easy

コンタクトをつけるのは簡単です。

Kontakuto wo tsukeru no wa kantan desu

It is easy to put contact lenses.

It is easy to contact.

• コンタクト (kontakuto) - contact lenses
• を (wo) - object particle
• つける (tsukeru) - place, use
• のは (no wa) - Topic particle
• 簡単 (kantan) - easy
• です (desu) - polite way of being

メートルは長さを測るための単位です。

Mētoru wa nagasa o hakaru tame no tan'i desu

Metro is a unit of measure for length.

The meter is a unit to measure the length.

• メートル - unit of measurement of length
• は - Topic particle
• 長さ - Length
• を - direct object particle
• 測る - measure
• ため - purpose
• の - Possession particle
• 単位 - unidade
• です - verb ser (polite form)

リットルは液体の体積の単位です。

Rittoru wa ekitai no tairyaku no tan'i desu

The liter is the unit of the volume of the liquid.

• リットル - unit of volume measurement
• は - Topic particle
• 液体 - liquid
• の - Possession particle
• 体積 - volume
• の - Possession particle
• 単位 - unidade
• です - Verb "to be" in the present tense