semplice
/ˈsem.pli.t͡ʃe/
The English word 'simple' is translated into Italian as semplice. Wiktionary also lists mero.
Meaning: uncomplicated (adj)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| semplice | /ˈsem.pli.t͡ʃe/ | |
| mero | /ˈmɛ.ro/ | masculine |
semplice is used to describe something that is uncomplicated. If you want to say 'very simple', you can use the phrase molto facile.
Which one should you use?
While semplice means uncomplicated, the masculine form mero is used to mean 'mere' or 'purely' to emphasize that something is nothing more than a specific thing.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective semplice is invariant for gender, so it is the same for both masculine and feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈsem.pli.tʃe/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- The word semplice is a distant relative of the Italian word scempio, which means 'slaughter' or 'destruction'.
- The word mero comes directly from the Latin merus, which originally referred to wine that was 'pure' or 'unmixed' with water.
- While semplice describes something easy or uncomplicated, the related word semplice can also describe a person who is 'naive' or 'gullible' depending on the context.
Examples in context
- È un uomo semplice.He is a simple man.This sentence shows how to describe a person using semplice.Tatoeba #8664420 by Guybrush88, translation #2915476 by sabretou
- Non è così semplice.It's not that simple.This sentence demonstrates the use of semplice in a negative context.Tatoeba #777322 by Guybrush88, translation #777268 by CM
- È un semplice errore.It's a simple mistake.This sentence illustrates using semplice to modify a noun.Tatoeba #2450244 by Guybrush88, translation #2450246 by CK
- È un problema facileIt's a simple problem.
- È una soluzione sempliceIt's a simple solution.
- L'idea è elementareThe idea is simple.
- È semplicissimo/aIt's super simple.
- È un esame faciloneIt's an easy-peasy exam.
- È semplice come bere un bicchiere d'acqua!It's as simple as drinking a glass of water!
- 240 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Francesco are discussing a new recipe.
- GiuliaQuesta ricetta sembra molto semplice.This recipe seems very simple.
- FrancescoSì, servono solo tre ingredienti.Yes, it only needs three ingredients.
- GiuliaAllora possiamo cucinarla stasera, Francesco.Then we can cook it tonight, Francesco.
- FrancescoOttima idea, Giulia!Great idea, Giulia!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “simple” translations and entries semplice, mero, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mero, semplice, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
