Translation guide
The English word "singles" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: unmarried people, single-person items (like tickets or rooms), and sports matches between two individuals.
Referring to people who are not married, often in the context of dating or social events.
The most common and neutral word for 'unmarried person'. Can be used for both men and women.
He is still single.
Please introduce me to your single friends.
Loanword from English, often used in contexts like 'single mother' or 'single life'. Can sound slightly more modern or casual.
A slightly more literary or old-fashioned way to say 'single', emphasizing being alone.
Referring to something intended for one person, such as a ticket, hotel room, or serving.
A competition, especially in tennis or badminton, where one player competes against another.
While シングル can mean 'single' as in unmarried, it's often used in compounds like シングルマザー. Using it alone to describe a person might sound unnatural; 独身 is safer.
シングル is a loanword often used for hotel rooms and tickets, while 一人用 is a native Japanese phrase meaning 'for one person' and can be used more broadly (e.g., 一人用の鍋).
Are you single?
I'd like a single ticket to Kyoto.
She prefers singles over doubles.
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.
独り身の気楽さを楽しんでいる。
I'm enjoying the ease of being single.
How much is a single ticket?
単試合の結果が発表された。
The results of the singles match were announced.