簡単な
kantan na
The English word "easy" can be translated into Japanese using several forms, most commonly 簡単な (kantan na). Wiktionary also lists 易しい (yasashii) and 容易な (yōi na).
Meaning: requiring little skill or effort (adj)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 簡単な | kantan na | |
| 易しい | yasashii | [ja̠sa̠ɕii] (narrow) |
| 容易な | yōi na | |
| 容易い | tayasui | [ta̠ja̠sɨi] (narrow) |
| 易い | yasui | [ja̠sɨi] (narrow) |
The term 簡単 is used to describe something as easy or simple.
Which one should you use?
The different forms of "easy" in Japanese are used in specific contexts. 易しい (yasashii) specifically refers to a low level of difficulty regarding tasks, problems or learning. 容易い (tayasui) is used to describe something that can be done with little effort. While these are similar, 容易い is a more formal or literary way to express this than other terms.
How does it change in a sentence?
簡単な is a na-adjective, so it requires 'na' when directly modifying a noun.
How do you pronounce it?
kantan na
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often confuse 易しい (yasashii – easy) with 優しい (yasashii – kind/gentle) because they are homophones.
Did you know?
- The written form of 容易い is one of the oldest recorded words in the Japanese language, appearing in texts as early as the year 729.
Examples in context
- 簡単な事じゃない。It isn't easy.This sentence shows how to use 簡単な to say something is not easy.Tatoeba #8603573 by small_snow, translation #2248736 by CK
- 容易いことじゃない。This isn't easy.This sentence shows how to use 容易い to say something is not easy.Tatoeba #10355263 by small_snow, translation #2233750 by CK
- 簡単な質問だと思った。I thought the questions were easy.This sentence shows how to use 簡単な to describe easy questions.Tatoeba #160071 by wakatyann630, translation #254451 by CK
- この問題は簡単です。This problem is easy.
- このレシピは簡単に作れます。This recipe is easy to make.
- この仕事は容易です。This task is easy.
- 運転は容易なことです。Driving is an easy thing.
- このゲームはカンタンだよ。This game is easy.
- カンタンな問題だね。It's an easy problem, right?
- この曲はラクに弾けるよ。I can easily play this song.
- 数学はラクだと思う。I think math is easy.
- 39 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yota is helping Himari with her homework.
- 陽太 Yotaこの問題は簡単だね。Kono mondai wa kantan da ne.This problem is easy, isn't it?
- 陽葵 Himari陽太くんにとっては簡単なことかもね。Yota-kun ni totte wa kantan na koto kamo ne.It might be an easy thing for you, Yota.
- 陽太 Yotaやり方を教えるよ。Yarikata o oshieru yo.I'll show you how to do it.
- 陽葵 Himariお願い、助けて。Onegai, tasukete.Please, help me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “easy” translations and entries 易しい, 容易い, 易い, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 容易い, 易しい, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
