Keywords: danbo, 单薄, what does danbo mean, Chinese for thin, Chinese for frail, Chinese for weak argument, dān bó meaning, thin clothing Chinese, meager evidence Chinese, HSK 5 vocabulary
Summary: Discover the versatile Chinese word 单薄 (dānbó), a term that goes beyond simple physical thinness. Meaning thin, flimsy, frail, or meager, `单薄` is used to describe everything from light clothing that isn't warm enough and a frail body type to a weak argument or insubstantial evidence. This guide will break down its core meanings, cultural context, and practical usage with plenty of examples, helping you master this nuanced HSK 5 adjective.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): dān bó
Part of Speech: Adjective
HSK Level: HSK 5
Concise Definition: Describes something as being thin, flimsy, frail, or weak in substance, strength, or content.
In a Nutshell: `单薄` is all about insufficiency. Think of it as describing something that lacks the necessary layers, depth, or strength. Whether it's clothing that's too thin for the cold, a person who looks frail and delicate, or an argument that lacks convincing evidence, `单薄` highlights a sense of inadequacy and fragility.
Character Breakdown
单 (dān): This character means “single,” “lone,” or “odd (number).” In this context, it evokes the idea of a single layer or a lack of multiplicity, contributing to the sense of thinness.
薄 (bó): This character means “thin,” “weak,” or “light.” Note that when used alone for physical thinness, this character is often pronounced `báo`. The `bó` pronunciation is typically used in more formal compound words like `单薄`.
Together, 单薄 (dānbó) literally combines “single” and “thin” to create a powerful and descriptive image of something lacking substance, layers, and robustness.
Cultural Context and Significance
In Chinese culture, there is often an underlying appreciation for substance, robustness, and depth, whether in people, ideas, or even food. `单薄` taps into the opposite of this value.
Physical Health: While modern global aesthetics sometimes favor a slim figure, describing someone's body as `单薄` is almost never a compliment in Chinese. It carries a strong connotation of being frail, weak, or unhealthy, and is usually said out of concern. Traditionally, a slightly more robust build was seen as a sign of good fortune and health.
Intellectual Substance: Calling an argument, a reason, or a piece of writing `单薄` is a significant criticism. It implies the work is superficial, poorly researched, and lacks the depth required to be convincing. This contrasts with the Western phrase “a thin argument,” which is similar but perhaps less formal. Using `单薄` in a professional or academic setting suggests a fundamental lack of persuasive power.
Practical Usage in Modern China
`单薄` is a common word used in various contexts, from daily conversation to formal critiques.
Describing Clothing (Most Common):
Used to say someone isn't dressed warmly enough. It's a classic phrase for parents and grandparents.
Connotation: Concern, caring.
Example: “外面风很大，你穿得太单薄了！” (The wind is strong outside, you're dressed too thinly!)
Describing a Person's Body:
Used to describe someone as frail, delicate, or gaunt, often due to illness or weight loss.
Connotation: Negative, expressing concern for someone's health.
Example: “他大病一场后，身体看起来很单薄。” (After his major illness, he looks very frail.)
English: In that era, the economic foundation of many families was very meager.
Analysis: Here, `单薄` describes an economic situation, meaning weak, unstable, or insufficient.
Example 10:
她的声音听起来很单薄，充满了不确定。
Pinyin: Tā de shēngyīn tīng qǐlái hěn dānbó, chōngmǎnle bù quèdesìng.
English: Her voice sounded thin and weak, full of uncertainty.
Analysis: While less common, `单薄` can be used to describe a voice that lacks resonance and strength.
Nuances and Common Mistakes
`单薄 (dānbó)` vs. `瘦 (shòu)` (Skinny): This is a critical distinction. `瘦 (shòu)` just means “thin” or “slim” and can be neutral or even a compliment. `单薄` means “frail” and implies weakness or ill health.
Correct: 她很瘦，是模特身材。(Tā hěn shòu, shì mótè shēncái.) - She is very slim, with a model's figure. (Positive/Neutral)
Correct: 她生病后身体很单薄。(Tā shēngbìng hòu shēntǐ hěn dānbó.) - After getting sick, her body is very frail. (Concern)
Incorrect: Calling a healthy, slim person `单薄` could be considered rude, as it implies they look weak or sick.
`单薄 (dānbó)` vs. `薄 (báo)` (Thin): `薄 (báo)` is the common, colloquial word for physical thinness of an object. `单薄` is more formal and is not used for simple objects. It's used for clothing (in the sense of being insufficient), body type, and abstract concepts.
Correct: 这本书很薄 (báo)。- This book is thin.
Incorrect: ~~这本书很单薄 (dānbó)。~~ (Unless you mean its *content* is meager, which would be a very specific and critical meaning).
Correct: 这本书的内容很单薄 (dānbó)。 - The content of this book is meager.
Related Terms and Concepts
瘦 (shòu): Skinny, slim. The neutral term for a person's thinness, distinct from the frailty implied by `单薄`.
薄 (báo): The common, everyday word for “thin” when describing objects like paper, books, or pizza crust.
脆弱 (cuìruò): Fragile, vulnerable. A close synonym that emphasizes something's potential to break easily, whether physically or emotionally.
虚弱 (xūruò): Feeble, weak. Often used to describe weakness resulting from illness or exertion. It's a synonym for the physical sense of `单薄`.
贫乏 (pínfá): Poor, lacking, meager. A strong synonym for `单薄` when describing abstract things like experience, knowledge, or imagination.
单调 (dāndiào): Monotonous, dull. Shares the `单` (single) character and the idea of lacking richness, but focuses on lack of variety rather than lack of substance.
强壮 (qiángzhuàng): Strong, sturdy, robust. A direct antonym for the physical meaning of `单薄`.
雄厚 (xiónghòu): Rich, solid, abundant. A direct antonym for `单薄` when describing abstract things like financial resources, strength, or forces.
充实 (chōngshí): Substantial, rich, fulfilling. An antonym for `单薄` when describing content, life, or knowledge.