Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| лёгкий | ljóxkij | [ˈlʲɵxʲkʲɪj] (narrow) | masculine |
| просто́й | prostój | masculine |
In Russian, 'easy' can be expressed in several ways depending on what you mean. If you want to emphasize that something is very easy, you can use the phrase Очень легко. Additionally, the word Просто can be used to mean 'simple', 'just' or 'merely'.
Which one should you use?
The choice between the two main forms depends on the type of 'easiness' you are describing. лёгкий is used for things that require little effort, but it also refers to something that is 'light' in terms of weight. In contrast, простой emphasizes a lack of complexity or sophistication, meaning 'simple'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective лёгкий must agree with the gender and number of the noun it describes. Use the feminine form лёгкая for feminine nouns such as задача (task) or работа (work). Use the neuter form лёгкое for neuter nouns like задание (assignment). For multiple objects or concepts, use the plural form лёгкие.
How do you pronounce it?
ljóxkij
Did you know?
- In Russian, to say something is 'a piece of cake', one might use the phrase проще пареной репы, which literally translates to 'simpler than a steamed turnip'.
- If you call a person лёгкий на подъём, you are not saying they are easy to lift, but rather that they are easy to persuade to go out or start an activity.
- The word простой shares a root with the verb meaning 'to stand' or 'to remain', suggesting that a 'simple' thing is one that stays put and is uncomplicated.
Examples in context
- Это не лёгкий вопрос.It's not an easy question.This sentence is useful for describing a question that is not easy using лёгкий.Tatoeba #2592064 by Balamax, translation #2009061 by CM
- Второй урок очень лёгкий.The second lesson is very easy.This sentence shows how to describe a lesson as very easy using лёгкий.Tatoeba #4980838 by marafon, translation #1136214 by CM
- Вчерашний тест был лёгкий.Yesterday's test was easy.This sentence demonstrates using лёгкий to describe a test from the past.Tatoeba #12910088 by marafon, translation #10901921 by CK
- Это задание легкое.This task is easy.
- Поездка была легкой и комфортной.The trip was easy and comfortable.
- Это простая задача.This is an easy task.
- Это всего лишь простой пример.This is just a simple example.
- Это очень легко понять.It's very easy to understand.
- Но было очень легко решить эту задачу.But it was very easy to solve this problem.
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maria and Andrey are talking about a new hobby.
- Мария MariaЭтот рецепт очень лёгкий.Etot retsept ochen' lyogkiy.This recipe is very easy.
- Андрей AndreyЯ могу приготовить это сам.Ya mogu prigotovit' eto sam.I can cook it myself.
- Мария MariaДа, способ приготовления действительно лёгкий.Da, sposob prigotovleniya deystvitel'no lyogkiy.Yes, the cooking method is really easy.
- Андрей AndreyТогда давай попробуем сегодня!Togda davay poprobuyem segodnya!Then let's try it today!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “easy” translations and entries лёгкий, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
