単に

• Reading: たんに
• Romaji: tanni
• Kanji breakdown: 単 (tan) — single, simple
• Pronunciation: /taɴ.ni/

Meaning

Simply; merely; only. Limits the scope of a statement to exclude broader interpretations.

An adverb used to narrow a statement to its simplest or most limited interpretation. Often followed by だけ: 単に疲れただけ (I am merely tired). Used to dismiss overinterpretation or emphasise that the reason is simpler than assumed. More formal than ただ (just/merely). Common in writing and explanations.

Examples

1. 単に忙しかっただけで、怒っているわけではない。 I was merely busy — I'm not angry or anything.
2. これは単に偶然の一致にすぎない。 This is simply a coincidence, nothing more.
3. 単に好奇心から聞いただけです。 I was just asking out of curiosity.

Usage Guide

Context: explanation, writing, argument

Tone: dismissive

Origin & History

From 単 (tan, single/simple) with the adverbial particle に. Literally 'in a single/simple manner' — reducing something to its most basic element.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal