Recognize 単 in 簡単 and 単語. Connect each word’s reading with its meaning in context.

The idea

単 has 9 strokes; follow the linked KanjiVG diagram for their order. Read 簡単（かんたん） and 単語（たんご） as whole words: a kanji’s reading depends on the word.

Patterns to compare
Japanese wordReadingExample in context
簡単かんたんThis explanation is simple.
単語たんごI learn new words.
単位たんいThe metre is a unit of length.

Examples

  • この説明せつめいは簡単かんたんです。This explanation is simple.
  • 簡単かんたんな料理りょうりを作つくります。I make a simple dish.
  • 新あたらしい単語たんごを覚おぼえます。I learn new words.
  • 単語たんごの意味いみを調しらべます。I look up the meaning of a word.
  • メートルは長ながさの単位たんいです。The metre is a unit of length.
  • 単位たんいを間違まちがえないでください。Please don't get the units wrong.

Read-aloud uses a synthetic Japanese voice available on your device. Voice quality and availability vary; it does not assess your pronunciation.

Watch out

単位 can also mean an academic credit, not just a unit of measurement. Do not assume that every word containing 単 has the same meaning or reading. Compare 単 with 早; pay attention to ⺍／日 when distinguishing their shapes.

Try it yourself

  1. Write the reading of 簡単 in hiragana.

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    かんたん

    簡単 is read かんたん. In context: This explanation is simple.

  2. Write the reading of 単語 in hiragana.

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    たんご

    単語 is read たんご. In context: I learn new words.

  3. Write the missing kanji: ＿位（たんい）［単／早］.

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    単

    単 completes 単位, read たんい. In context: The metre is a unit of length.

Use it today

Cover the table, write 単 from memory and read 簡単 and 単語 aloud. Check your readings against the examples.