sencillo
/senˈθiʝo/
The English phrase 'plain' can be translated into Spanish using sencillo, llano or a palo seco.
Meaning: ordinary, lacking adornment or ornamentation (adj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| sencillo | /senˈθiʝo/ | |
| llano | /ˈʝano/ | |
| a palo seco | /a ˌpalo ˈseko/ | adverb |
When describing something as ordinary or lacking adornment or ornamentation, the adjective sencillo is the standard choice. You can also use the adverb sencillamente to mean 'simply' or 'plainly'.
Which one should you use?
While both can mean 'plain', sencillo is the standard word for something that is simple or unadorned, whereas llano often implies a lack of complexity or a lack of sophistication in speech or character. Additionally, a palo seco is used as an adverb.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective sencillo must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies: use sencilla for feminine nouns and sencillos for masculine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/senˈθiʝo/
Did you know?
- The phrase a palo seco uses the image of a 'dry stick' to mean doing something in a plain or basic way. It originates from 18th-century sailors who ate only the bare essentials during storms when the mast was 'dry' and lacked sails.
- The word llano is also used in geography to describe the vast tropical grassland plains of Colombia and Venezuela.
Examples in context
- Dígalo en lenguaje llano.Say it in plain terms.This sentence shows how to use llano to describe language.Tatoeba #2267702 by cueyayotl, translation #2267701 by _undertoad
- Preferiría un armazón sencillo en estos anteojos.I'd prefer a plain frame on these glasses.This sentence illustrates the use of sencillo for an object like a frame.Tatoeba #2253242 by hayastan, translation #2253241 by _undertoad
- Lo que él trata de decir es bien sencillo de comprender.His meaning is quite plain.This sentence demonstrates using sencillo to describe a meaning that is easy to understand.Tatoeba #339303 by tatoerique, translation #286070 by CK
- El vestido de novia era simple y elegante.The wedding dress was simple and elegant.
- La decoración del salón era sencilla pero hermosa.The decoration of the hall was plain but beautiful.
- Me gusta el papel de regalo liso.I like plain wrapping paper.
- La sopa estaba un poco sosa.The soup was a bit plain.
- Ese vestido no es para nada sencillo.That dress is not plain at all.
- La respuesta es clara y sencilla.The answer is clear and plain.
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are looking at a new apartment.
- LucíaEl apartamento es muy sencillo, pero acogedor.The apartment is very plain, but cozy.
- Javier¿Te gusta el diseño tan sencillo?Do you like the plain design?
- LucíaSí, me gusta que no sea recargado.Yes, I like that it isn't overdone.
- JavierA mí también me parece perfecto.I think it is perfect too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “plain” translations and entries sencillo, llano, a palo seco, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, a palo seco, llano, palo, seco, sencillo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
