simple
/sɛ̃pl/
The French word for "simple" is simple.
The adjective simple is used to describe something that is uncomplicated. In a different context, simple can function as a noun meaning a preparation derived from a single plant.
Meaning: uncomplicated (adj)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective simple is the same for both masculine and feminine singular nouns. The plural form of the adjective is simples.
How do you pronounce it?
/sɛ̃pl/
Did you know?
- In French, calling a person simple can be a subtle insult, implying they are naive, gullible or lack intellectual depth rather than just being uncomplicated.
- The word simplement is frequently used as a filler word in spoken French to soften a request or a statement, similar to how English speakers use 'just'.
- The word simple comes from the Latin 'simplex', which is composed of 'simplus', meaning 'one layer' or 'one-fold'. This provides the literal foundation for the concept of being 'uncomplicated'.
Examples in context
- Tout est très simple.It's all very simple.This sentence shows how to say everything is very simple using simple.Tatoeba #4872024 by sacredceltic, translation #3722576 by CM
- Tout est assez simple.It's all quite simple.This sentence shows how to say everything is quite simple using simple.Tatoeba #4872022 by sacredceltic, translation #3635867 by CK
- C'est un homme simple.He is a simple man.This sentence describes a man as simple using simple.Tatoeba #5822166 by Yemana, translation #2915476 by sabretou
- C'est simpleIt's simple.
- C'est facileIt's easy.
- C'est d'une simplicité élémentaireIt's of an elementary simplicity.
- C'est facile comme bonjourIt's easy as pie.
- C'est pas compliqué du toutIt's not complicated at all.
- 246 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma is explaining a recipe to Hugo in the kitchen.
- HugoLa recette est difficile ?Is the recipe difficult?
- EmmaNon, c'est très simple.No, it is very simple.
- HugoTu peux m'aider, Emma ?Can you help me, Emma?
- EmmaBien sûr, Hugo.Of course, Hugo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “simple” 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.
