merely

(t.c.f.b.b.y.e.s.i.y.l.) + (rice field) + (ten)
★★★☆☆
9 strokes

Onyomi

TAN

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

Mnemonic

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

Kunyomi

たん*に merely
★★★☆☆

Jukugo

簡単(かんたん)

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

simple or easy, but in a good way

単語(たんご)

simple word ★★★★☆
(merely) + (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'.

単位(たんい)

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

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

単純(たんじゅん)

simple version ★☆☆☆☆
(merely) + (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).

Lookalikes

Meaning Hint Radical
early SUN
habitat TREE
merely BABY BIRDS

The SUN rises early.

The habitat is in a TREE.

Merely has NO TREE because it is MERELY some baby birds.

Used In

Synonyms

merely
単に    ただ
word
単語    言葉