単 merely

as in 'I was hit with a flame thrower (long story) but it MERELY gave me a TAN. '

Even though I have ten rice fields, all that is growing is merely three lousy baby firds, I mean birds.

simple ★★★★☆
簡 (simplicity) + 単 (merely) = 簡単 (simple)

simple or easy, but in a good way

simple word ★★★★☆
単 (merely) + 語 (language) = 単語 (simple word)

Tango describes a SIMPLE Japanese word (note the 単 kanji) , whether the word is hiragana OR a single kanji . But compound words or long-ass words are NOT 'tango'.

unit ★☆☆☆☆
単 (merely) + 位 (rank) = 単位 (unit)

denomination or unit (college credit, but also centimeter or pound)

simple version ★☆☆☆☆
単 (merely) + 純 (epitome) = 単純 (simple version)

the simple kind of X as opposed to the complicated kind (not rude). Also, simple-minded, mouth-breathing person (pretty rude).