How to say 'Merely' in Japanese | 単に

word

Meaning

Merely

Reading

Kanji

単Simple, Single

Explanation

The Japanese adverb '単に (たんに)' means 'merely' or 'simply'. It is used to indicate that something is done or exists in a straightforward, uncomplicated manner, without any additional factors or complexities. It often emphasizes the simplicity or minimal nature of an action or state. For example: He is merely a student「彼は単に学生です」(かれはたんにがくせいです). This is simply a misunderstanding「これは単に誤解です」(これはたんにごかいです). The word can also be used to downplay the significance of something, as in '単に興味があるだけ (たんにきょうみがあるだけ) (I am merely interested).'

Part Of Speech

adverb

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

1970

Composition

kanji-hiragana

Handwriting