Usage patterns 単たん に 〈 事こと 〉 だけでなく not just X (but also...)
This isn't just an issue of appearance, it also affects function.
単たん に 〈 事こと 〉 というだけで simply/merely because of X
You shouldn't choose it simply because it's cheap.
単たん に 〈 物もの 〉 にすぎない to be nothing more than X
That's nothing more than a rumor.
Related words ただ is a casual, conversational way to say 'just/only', while 単に is a bit more formal and typical of written or explanatory Japanese.
単に is an adverb meaning 'simply/merely' used to modify verbs or clauses, whereas 単なる directly modifies a following noun.
単に is a neutral way to say 'simply', while あくまでも adds emphasis that something is strictly or purely the case, often to set a limit.
単に means 'merely, simply' like the clarifying sense of あくまで , but lacks the nuance of firmly stating a limit or fact.
Written forms 単たん に Usage 89%
Standard kanji spelling; the most common written form.
たんに Usage 11%
Kana spelling is common in casual writing or when avoiding kanji.
Etymology Formed from the kanji 単 (simple/single) and the adverbial suffix に . The reading たん is the on'yomi of 単 .
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