prefix
Prefix meaning 'single', 'simple', or 'one'. Attaches to nouns to form compounds like 単細胞 (single-celled) or 単純 (simple).
単細胞生物は一つの細胞だけでできている。
Single-celled organisms are made of just one cell.
この問題は単純に見えるが、実は複雑だ。
This problem looks simple, but it's actually complex.
noun
Abbreviation of 単試合 (singles match). Used in tennis, badminton, table tennis, etc. to refer to the singles event.
See also: 単試合
彼はテニスの単で優勝した。
He won the tennis singles.
バドミントンの単と複、どちらが得意ですか？
Which are you better at, badminton singles or doubles?
noun
win bet (horse racing)
Abbreviation of 単勝式 (win betting). In horse racing, a bet on a horse to finish first.
See also: 単勝式
競馬で単を買うときは、一番強い馬を選ぶ。
When placing a win bet in horse racing, I pick the strongest horse.
単で当てるのは難しいが、配
It's hard to win with a win bet, but the payout is big.
Prefix meaning 'double' or 'multiple', often contrasted with 単 in compounds like 単複 (singles and doubles).
Full form of the win bet term; 単 is the abbreviated form used in casual racing contexts.
The kanji 単 originally means 'single' or 'simple'. The prefix use is directly from this meaning. The sports and betting senses are abbreviations of longer compounds.