单纯
Traditional: 單純
dān chún HSK 5

English Meaning

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📚 Example Sentences

她的想法很单纯。
Tā de xiǎngfǎ hěn dānchún.
Her thoughts are very simple/pure.
孩子的心是单纯的。
Háizi de xīn shì dānchún de.
A child's heart is pure.
这个问题不单纯。
Zhège wèntí bù dānchún.
This problem is not simple.
她很单纯。
Tā hěn dānchún.
She is very naive.
想法很单纯。
Xiǎngfǎ hěn dānchún.
The idea is very simple.

💡 Memory Tip

Break it down: 单 (dān) means 'single' or 'alone,' and 纯 (chún) means 'pure.' Think of something that is 'single-mindedly pure' or simply uncomplicated—like a child's单纯 smile.

📝 Usage Notes

This word is used in both formal and informal contexts, in spoken and written Chinese. It's commonly applied to describe people (e.g., a pure-hearted child), ideas, or problems that are not as simple as they seem, as in the example sentence.

📖 Grammar Points

单纯 can be used as an attributive adjective before a noun (e.g., 单纯的孩子) or as a predicate adjective (e.g., 他很单纯). It can also be used adverbially in some contexts, like 单纯地相信 (to believe purely).

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, being described as 单纯 can be positive (innocent, honest) but sometimes slightly negative (naive, inexperienced), depending on context. It often reflects a value placed on sincerity and simplicity in personal character.

🔄 Similar Words

Similar to 简单 (jiǎndān), which means 'simple' in a practical or easy sense, but 单纯 emphasizes purity, innocence, or lack of ulterior motives, often with a more abstract or moral connotation.

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