Japanese Conversation · Level 42
90 words
Japanese word
単に
Pronunciation
Romajitanni
Meaning
- adverbsimply
Example
私は単に答えを知りたいだけです。watashi wa tan ni kota e o shi ri ta i da ke de su
I simply want to know the answer.
More examples
これは単に練習のための質問です。ko re wa tan ni ren shū no ta me no shitsu mon de su
This is simply a question for practice.
Core concept
It marks something as no more than the stated fact, separating it from any extra explanation or hidden intention.
Common phrases
単に言えばtan ni i e ba
simply put
Similar words
ただtada: It expresses the meaning of just or only in a common conversational way.
Definition in Japanese
示された事柄がそれ以上のものではないことを表す語。shime sa re ta koto gara ga so re i jō no mo no de wa na i ko to o arawa su go
Word origin
The word 単に (tanni) uses 単 (tan, "single") in an adverbial form with に (ni), so its structure reflects a meaning of "in a single way."
Usage tips
- In formal announcements and explanations, 単に (tanni) commonly introduces a limited description, while everyday speakers may choose ただ (tada) for a more casual "just" or "only."
Other meanings
- onlyadverb