When it comes to expressing the concept of “single” in Mandarin Chinese, there are various ways to convey this idea, depending on the formality of the context and the regional variations. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways of saying “single” in Chinese, providing you with useful tips and examples. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Single” in Chinese
1. 单身 (dānshēn)
The most commonly used formal term for “single” in Chinese is “单身” (dānshēn). This term refers to individuals who are not in a romantic relationship or who are unmarried. It is widely understood across different regions of China and is appropriate for both spoken and written communication.
Example: 他已经单身很久了。(Tā yǐjīng dānshēn hěn jiǔ le.)
Translation: He has been single for a long time.
2. 未婚 (wèihūn)
If you specifically want to emphasize the unmarried status, you can use the term “未婚” (wèihūn). This term is often used in legal contexts, such as on official documents or when discussing legal rights related to marriage.
Example: 她是未婚的。(Tā shì wèihūn de.)
Translation: She is unmarried.
3. 单身汉/单身女 (dānshēn hàn / dānshēn nǚ)
In a more gender-specific context, the terms “单身汉” (dānshēn hàn) and “单身女” (dānshēn nǚ) can be used to refer to a single man and single woman, respectively. These terms are slightly more formal and are commonly used in situations where gender distinction is necessary.
Example: 我是一个单身女，但我很开心。(Wǒ shì yí gè dānshēn nǚ, dàn wǒ hěn kāixīn.)
Translation: I am a single woman, but I am happy.
Informal Ways to Say “Single” in Chinese
1. 单身狗 (dānshēn gǒu)
When it comes to informal or colloquial way of expressing “single,” the term “单身狗” (dānshēn gǒu) is widely used among young people in China. Translated literally, it means “single dog,” with the term “dog” being used humorously to represent the single status.
Example: 我还是一只单身狗。(Wǒ háishì yì zhī dānshēn gǒu.)
Translation: I am still a single dog.
2. 单着 (dānzhe)
In informal conversations, particularly spoken language, you may encounter the term “单着” (dānzhe) to describe being single. This term is derived from the verb “单” (dān) which means “to be alone” or “to be single.”
Example: 别担心，我很享受单着的生活。(Bié dānxīn, wǒ hěn xiǎngshòu dānzhe de shēnghuó.)
Translation: Don’t worry, I enjoy being single.
Regional Variations
While the above terms are widely used throughout most of China, it’s worth noting that there can be some regional variations in the expressions used to describe “single.” Here are a few examples:
1. 单身客 (dānshēn kè) – common in Taiwan
2. 孤家寡人 (gūjiāguǎrén) – used in some parts of southern China
3. 光棍 (guānggùn) – a more colloquial term used in some northern regions
These regional variations may not be as widely understood outside their respective areas, so it’s generally recommended to use the more common terms mentioned earlier to ensure broader comprehension.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are various ways to say “single” in Chinese, both formally and informally. The term “单身” (dānshēn) is the most widely used and generally understood across China. When speaking casually or in informal settings, terms like “单身狗” (dānshēn gǒu) or “单着” (dānzhe) can add a colloquial touch. Just remember to consider the formality of the situation and the regional variations if applicable.
Now armed with these phrases, you can confidently express your single status or engage in conversations about relationships in Mandarin Chinese!
