簡単な
kantan na
In Japanese, the English phrase "simple" can be translated as 簡単な (kantan na). Wiktionary also lists 単純な (tanjun na) and 易い (yasui).
Meaning: uncomplicated (adj)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 簡単な | kantan na | |
| 単純な | tanjun na | |
| 易い | yasui | [ja̠sɨi] (narrow) |
The term for "simple" is 簡単 (kantan). If you want to say that something is "easy" or "simple" to accomplish, the word 容易 (yōi) is also used.
Which one should you use?
While 簡単な refers to something easy to understand or do, 単純な often implies something is overly simple, one-dimensional or even naive.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both 簡単な and 単純な are na-adjectives, meaning they require な when modifying a noun directly. To use the adjective 簡単な as an adverb (e.g., 'to explain simply'), change the ending to 簡単に.
How do you pronounce it?
kantan na
Did you know?
- The word 易い (yasui), meaning 'easy' or 'simple', shares its origin with the word for 'cheap' or 'inexpensive'.
- In Japanese, the concept of 'simple' is often linked to 'natural' in Zen aesthetics, where the term 素朴 (soboku) describes a rustic or unadorned simplicity.
- The word 簡単 (kantan) consists of two characters that literally mean 'brief' and 'easy'. Together they describe something that can be handled without much effort or time.
Examples in context
- 簡単な質問をしてみた。I asked a simple question.This sentence is useful for describing the act of asking a simple question using 簡単な.Tatoeba #12207096 by small_snow, translation #12207094 by CK
- 簡単な言葉で言ってみて。Try and say things using simple words.This sentence is useful for using 簡単な to describe simple words.Tatoeba #12179647 by small_snow, translation #13694678 by terrywallwork
- 簡単な英語で書かれている。It is written in simple English.This sentence is useful for describing something written in simple English using 簡単な.Tatoeba #183836 by KK_kaku_, translation #20960 by CK
- 31 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ren and Yui are deciding what to cook for dinner.
- 蓮 Ren今日は簡単な料理にしよう。Kyou wa kantanna ryouri ni shiyou.Let's have a simple dish today.
- 結衣 Yuiいい考えだね。何にする？Ii kangae da ne. Nani ni suru?That's a good idea. What should we make?
- 蓮 Renパスタなら準備が簡単だよ。Pasuta nara junbi ga kantan da yo.Preparation is simple if we make pasta.
- 結衣 Yuiじゃあ、パスタにしよう。Jaa, pasuta ni shiyou.Then, let's go with pasta.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “simple” translations and entries 易い, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 易い, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
