簡単な言葉
kantan na kotoba
The English phrase "easy words" is translated into Japanese as 簡単な言葉 (kantan na kotoba).
簡単な言葉 refers to vocabulary that is simple and easy to understand. You can also use the phrase 簡単な言葉で to mean "in easy words" or "in simple terms."
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 簡単な (easy/simple) and 言葉 (word/language).
Which one should you use?
While 簡単な言葉 refers to easy words, the phrase 難しい言葉 is the standard way to express difficult or complex words.
How does it change in a sentence?
kantan is a na-adjective, which means it requires na when it directly modifies the noun kotoba.
How do you pronounce it?
kantan na kotoba
Did you know?
- The word 言葉 (kotoba) is a combination of koto meaning 'thing' and ba meaning 'leaf'. It literally describes words as the leaves of an idea.
- In Japan, using 簡単な言葉 (easy words) is often a sign of politeness and respect called teinei, as it ensures the listener is not confused or excluded from the conversation.
- Japanese speakers may use the phrase やさしい言葉 (yasashii kotoba) instead of 簡単な言葉. While yasashii can mean 'easy', it also means 'kind' or 'gentle'.
Examples in context
- 簡単な言葉で話してください。Kantan na kotoba de hanashite kudasai.Please speak using easy words.
- 彼は簡単な言葉をよく使います。Kare wa kantan na kotoba o yoku tsukaimasu.He often uses easy words.
- 子供には簡単な言葉が必要です。Kodomo ni wa kantan na kotoba ga hitsuyo desu.Easy words are necessary for children.
Example conversation
Hiyori is helping Kenta study a difficult textbook.
- 陽葵 Himariこの部分は少し難しいですね。Kono bubun wa sukoshi muzukashii desu ne.This part is a bit difficult, isn't it?
- 健太 Kentaはい、意味がよくわかりません。Hai, imi ga yoku wakarimasen.Yes, I don't really understand the meaning.
- 陽葵 Himari簡単な言葉で言い換えてみますね。Kantan na kotoba de iikaete mimasu ne.I will try to rephrase it in easy words.
- 健太 Kentaありがとうございます、陽葵さん。Arigatou gozaimasu, Hiyori-san.Thank you, Hiyori.
