簡單 / 简单
jiǎndān
In Chinese, the English phrase 'simple' is translated as 簡單 / 简单 (jiǎndān). If unsure, use 簡單 / 简单. Wiktionary also lists 容易 (róngyì) and 簡易 / 简易 (jiǎnyì).
Meaning: uncomplicated (adj)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 簡單 / 简单 | jiǎndān |
| 容易 | róngyì |
| 簡易 / 简易 | jiǎnyì |
The term 簡單 / 简单 is used to describe something that is uncomplicated. If you wish to express that something is 'extremely simple' or 'as simple as it gets' in an informal way, you can use the exaggerated phrase 简单得不能再简单.
Which one should you use?
While 簡單 / 简单 refers to something that is uncomplicated, 容易 specifically means 'easy' in terms of difficulty. Additionally, 簡易 / 简易 is often used to describe something designed to be simple or rudimentary, such as a simple tool or structure.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Cantonese, the word for 'simple' is commonly translated as 简单 (gaam2 daan1).
How does it change in a sentence?
To say that something is 'very simple', you typically place the adverb 很 (hěn) before 簡單 / 简单.
How do you pronounce it?
jiǎndān
Did you know?
- The character 簡 in 簡單 / 简单 originally referred to bamboo slips used for writing before the invention of paper.
- The written form of 簡單 / 简单 is actually a Japanese-made word, known as 'Wasei Kango', which was later adopted into Chinese.
- When describing a 'simple' life, Chinese speakers often use the term 簡陋, which specifically implies that the simplicity is due to a lack of resources or poverty.
Examples in context
- 由於是用簡單的英語所寫的，這本書很容易閱讀。As it is written in simple English, this book is easy to read.This sentence shows how to use 容易 to describe something that is easy to read.Tatoeba #811619 by Martha, translation #20959 by omiros
- 我喜欢简单的生活。I enjoy a simple life.
- 这本书写得很简明。This book is written in a simple and concise manner.
- 这个问题的答案很简单易懂。The answer to this question is simple and easy to understand.
- 这道题很容易。This question is simple.
- 这种操作方式简单得不能再简单了！This method of operation is as simple as it gets!
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Sources
- Wiktionary, “simple” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 容易, 簡單, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
