Chinese surname · rank 163
单
单 is read as shàn.
Pinyin
shàn
Script forms
Simplified 单 · Traditional 單
Basic meaning
single, individual, only; lone
Five element
Earth
Origin
Time: Zhou surname tradition, 1046-256 BCE
Place: Ancient Shan place or fief in the Zhou tradition; exact site varies by source.
Origin note
As a surname, this character is read Shan. The surname story should be separated from the ordinary dan meanings such as single or simple; the surname line is usually explained through an ancient place or fief.
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