Translation guide
The English word 'single' has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: unmarried, one (not multiple), individual, one-way ticket, and a few others. Each meaning is explained with natural Japanese expressions.
Describing a person who is not married or not in a romantic relationship.
The standard word for 'unmarried' or 'single' as a marital status. It can be used for both men and women.
彼はまだ独身です。
He is still single.
独身の友達がたくさんいます。
I have many single friends.
A loanword from English, often used in contexts like 'single mother' or 'single life'. It can sound slightly more casual or modern.
シングルマザーとして頑張っています。
She's working hard as a single mother.
A slightly more literary or old-fashioned way to say 'single', emphasizing being alone. Not commonly used in everyday conversation.
独り身の気楽さを楽しんでいる。
I'm enjoying the ease of being single.
Indicating a quantity of one, as opposed to double, triple, etc.
The most common way to say 'a single' or 'one' when counting items. It is the attributive form of 一つ (ひとつ).
一つのりんごを食べた。
I ate a single apple.
一つの問題も解決していない。
Not a single problem has been solved.
Means 'single' in the sense of 'unitary' or 'sole'. Often used in technical or formal contexts.
Used as a prefix or in compound words to mean 'single', e.g., single bed, single track. Not used alone as a counter.
Emphasizing that something is considered individually, not as part of a group.
Means 'individual' or 'each separate'. Used to stress that items are considered one by one.
個々のケースについて検討します。
We will examine each single case.
Means 'each' or 'respective'. It can convey the idea of 'single' when emphasizing individuality.
それぞれの意見を尊重しましょう。
Let's respect each single opinion.
A ticket for a journey to a place but not back again.
The standard term for a one-way ticket. 片道 (かたみち) means 'one way'.
東京までの片道切符をください。
A single ticket to Tokyo, please.
Often used alone in context, e.g., on ticket machines or when the type of ticket is clear.
A hotel room for one person.
The standard term for a single room in a hotel.
シングルルームを一泊予約したいです。
I'd like to book a single room for one night.
A musical recording with one main track, or a CD with a few tracks.
The loanword used for a music single. Often combined with CD or just used alone.
彼女の新しいシングルが発売された。
Her new single has been released.
While シングル is understood, 独身 (どくしん) is the proper term for official forms or polite conversation about marital status. シングル can sound too casual or like 'single mother' etc.
一つ (ひとつ) is for objects, while 一人 (ひとり) is for people. Don't confuse them when saying 'a single person' vs 'a single thing'.
単一の基準で判断してはいけない。
You shouldn't judge by a single standard.
シングルベッドを予約しました。
I reserved a single bed.
片道ですか、往復ですか。
Single or return?