daan1 seon4單純单纯
Jyutpingdaan1 seon4
Yaledāan sèuhn
Definition
Simple, pure, or innocent; also purely or merely.
- simple; pure; innocent; naive
- purely; merely; solely
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Describes someone who lacks worldly experience or ulterior motives, often carrying a slightly patronizing tone when used to describe adults. It contrasts with 複雜, which implies a person or situation is cunning or convoluted. While it can be a compliment for a child, calling an adult單純 often suggests they are gullible or out of touch with reality.
Examples
They are very innocent and always believe what people say.
Don't be so naive in your thinking, society is very complicated.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to mean simple in the sense of easy or basic, such as a simple task or a simple design. For those contexts, use 簡單 instead.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
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Classifier
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
