Abstract: The complex relations between some nouns and terms about the bearing capacity of single pile, such as the ultimate standard value, standard value, characteristic value, design value, basic value and so on, are systematically summarized, and the concepts, naming and abolishing reasons of these nouns and terms in codes are clarified. The conclusions are as follows: (1) the nouns of the characteristic values of pile shaft resistance and pile tip resistance can be abandoned temporarily; (2) when the time is right, the nouns of basic value and design value of bearing capacity can be used again, the characteristic value of the bearing capacity can be modified to the design value of the bearing capacity, and the word the ultimate can be wiped from the noun of the ultimate standard value; (3) there are some theoretical disadvantages of formulas for calculating the bearing capacity of single pile in the foundation code and pile code, and the latter is relatively more direct and more reliable.