Meanings of 单薄
By ear
Play it, then pick what 单薄 means.
About 单薄
Podcast: 单薄
Podcast: 单薄
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 单薄
薄 (bó) — use 单薄 (dān bó) specifically for a connotation of weakness or frailty, while 薄 (bó) can simply mean thin without the same implication.
Be cautious not to confuse 单薄 with similar words like 薄弱 (bó ruò), which specifically means weak or feeble. This term is more informal and can be used in both spoken and written contexts, often to describe physical attributes or the lack of depth in arguments.
While 单薄 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, understanding it can enhance your descriptive language skills at an intermediate level. Focus on using it in contexts where you describe people or objects to practice its application.
Learners often misuse 单薄 when they mean to describe something that is simply thin without the negative connotation. For example, saying '这件衣服很单薄' (This clothing is very weak) should be corrected to '这件衣服很薄' (This clothing is very thin) to avoid implying weakness.
Pronunciation of 单薄
Drill the tone of 单薄, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 单薄 to you
Let me explain 单薄 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 单薄 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
How well do you know 单薄?
Learning Lab
Knowing 单薄 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Component characters
How to say weak in Chinese
“weak” in Chinese is单薄
The term 单薄 (dān bó) describes something that is weak, frail, or lacking substance. It is commonly used to refer to physical characteristics, such as a thin person or flimsy material, as well as metaphorically for ideas or arguments that lack depth or strength.
When to use 单薄
Be cautious not to confuse 单薄 with similar words like 薄弱 (bó ruò), which specifically means weak or feeble. This term is more informal and can be used in both spoken and written contexts, often to describe physical attributes or the lack of depth in arguments.
单薄 or something close to it
薄 (bó) — use 单薄 (dān bó) specifically for a connotation of weakness or frailty, while 薄 (bó) can simply mean thin without the same implication.
What learners get wrong
Learners often misuse 单薄 when they mean to describe something that is simply thin without the negative connotation. For example, saying '这件衣服很单薄' (This clothing is very weak) should be corrected to '这件衣服很薄' (This clothing is very thin) to avoid implying weakness.
Write 单薄
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 单薄 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Ask Jason
Have a question about 单薄?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
Cultural Notes for 单薄
In Western cultures, being thin is sometimes viewed positively (as in fashion), while in China, it can often imply a lack of health or vitality, reflecting different societal values around body image.
Frequently asked questions about 单薄
Yes, you can use 单薄 to describe objects, such as clothing or materials that are flimsy.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 单薄?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.