HSK · Level 26
135 words
Chinese word
单纯
Pronunciation
Pinyindān chún
Meaning
- adjectivepure
Example
她的动机很单纯，只是想帮忙。tā de dòng jī hěn dān chún zhǐ shì xiǎng bāng máng
Her motive is pure; she just wants to help.
More examples
孩子们有很多单纯的想法。hái zi men yǒu hěn duō dān chún de xiáng fǎ
Children have many pure ideas.
Core concept
A small, unmixed arrangement that stays easy to understand, whether it describes a design or a person's intention.
Common phrases
单纯的人dān chún de rén
pure people
单纯的想法dān chún de xiáng fǎ
pure ideas
单纯的感情dān chún de gǎn qíng
pure feelings
Similar words
天真tiān zhēn: Being trusting and innocent because of having little experience of how the world works.
纯粹chún cuì: Containing no other elements and showing only the essential nature of something.
纯洁chún jié: Having a clean mind or conduct, with no wrongdoing or moral stain.
真诚zhēn chéng: Showing honest words or behavior that express genuine feelings or beliefs.
Definition in Chinese
结构或成分少，容易理解，也指想法或动机不复杂。jié gòu huò chéng fèn shǎo róng yì lí jiě yě zhǐ xiáng fǎ huò dòng jī bú fù zá
Word origin
In 单纯 (dānchún, "pure"), 单 (dān, "single") points to few or one element, while 纯 (chún, "pure") adds the sense of nothing mixed in, forming the idea of uncomplicated clarity.
Usage tips
- English pure often suggests morality or chemistry, but 单纯 (dānchún, "pure") is also a normal everyday description of an uncomplicated plan, design, or motive.