simple
/sɛ̃pl/
The English phrase 'mere' is translated into French as simple.
The adjective simple is used to indicate that something is 'just', 'only' or 'no more than' a certain thing.
Meaning: just, only, no more than (adj)
Which one should you use?
In French, simple can have two different meanings depending on the context: it can mean 'mere' (insignificant/only) or it can mean 'simple' (not complex).
How does it change in a sentence?
When using this as an adjective to modify a plural noun, the form changes to simples.
How do you pronounce it?
/sɛ̃pl/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the adverb seulement (only) in places where the adjective simple (mere) is required to modify a noun.
Did you know?
- In certain French contexts, calling a person simple can be a compliment meaning 'down-to-earth' or 'unpretentious', rather than suggesting they are 'mere' or insignificant.
- The word simple shares its DNA with the English word 'simple', as both originate from the Latin 'simplex', meaning 'one-fold' or 'single'.
- While simple can mean 'mere', French speakers often use the word petit to convey the same sense of insignificance, such as un petit problème for a 'mere' problem.
Examples in context
- Tu n'es plus un simple enfant.You are no longer a mere child.This sentence shows how to use simple to describe a child.Tatoeba #11126917 by Aiji, translation #16346 by CC
- Ce n'était qu'une simple formalité.It was a mere formality.This sentence uses simple to describe a formality.Tatoeba #12321042 by lbdx, translation #7126411 by CM
- C'est un simple fruit de ton imagination.This is a mere figment of your imagination.This sentence uses simple to describe a figment of imagination.Tatoeba #1226692 by sacredceltic, translation #1226691 by PeterR
- Ma mèreMy mother
- Votre mèreYour mother
- Ma mère cuisine très bien.My mother cooks very well.
- 26 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Hugo are discussing a mistake at work.
- EmmaC'est une simple erreur de frappe, Hugo.It is a simple typing error, Hugo.
- HugoTu penses que le patron sera d'accord ?Do you think the boss will agree?
- EmmaOui, c'est un simple détail.Yes, it is a simple detail.
- HugoJ'espère que tu as raison, Emma.I hope you are right, Emma.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mere” translations and entries simple, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries simple, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
