单一 dānyī single
single; only; sole
How to remember 单一: 单 single + 一 one = single.
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How it is used
- Single / uniform, often with a critical undertone of 'lacking variety' - 产品太单一 (chǎnpǐn tài dānyī) the products are too monotone; 单一来源 (dānyī láiyuán) a single source.
- Contrast 唯一 (wéiyī, the only/sole one), which is neutral-to-positive; 单一 implies undesirable sameness or over-reliance on one thing.
- Common opposite is 多样 (duōyàng, diverse): 产品结构单一 vs 多样化 (duōyànghuà).