간단한
gandanhang
The English phrase 'simple' is translated into Korean as 간단한 (gandanhang).
The term is used to describe something that is uncomplicated.
Meaning: uncomplicated (adj)
Which one should you use?
While 간단한 implies something is easy or uncomplicated in a positive or neutral way, the related word 단순한 often implies something is overly simple or lacks depth.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The forms 간단한, 단순한 and 간단해 are widely used across all regions of South Korea.
How does it change in a sentence?
The dictionary form of this adjective is 간단하다. The specific form 간단한 is used to modify a noun, such as in the phrase 'simple question' (간단한 질문).
How do you pronounce it?
gandanhang
Did you know?
- When discussing a 'simple' design, Koreans might use the word 심플하다, which is an English loanword 'simple' adapted into Korean phonology.
- The root of 간단한 comes from Hanja (Chinese characters), where 간 means 'between' and 단 means 'cut' or 'break'.
- In Korean social dynamics, saying 간단하게 ('simply' or 'briefly') before a request is a common linguistic softener to make the favor seem less burdensome.
Examples in context
- 만족스러운 삶의 영위는 간단한 질문에서부터 시작돼. 밤에 불을 끄고 베개에 머리를 베면, 무엇이 들리니? 네 영혼이 노래하는 소리, 아니면 악령이 웃는 소리?Leading a fulfilling life really comes down to a simple question: When you turn off the lights at night and your head is on the pillow, what do you hear? Your soul singing or Satan laughing?This sentence uses 간단한 to describe a question.Tatoeba #8376451 by Eunhee, translation #504793 by saeb
- 이 문제는 간단합니다.This problem is simple.
- 간단한 설명으로 충분합니다.A simple explanation will suffice.
- 제안을 간단히 요약해 주세요.Please summarize the proposal briefly.
- 이 건축물은 단순한 디자인을 가지고 있어요.This building has a simple design.
- 그 문제는 단순한 해결책으로 해결될 수 있어요.That problem can be solved with a simple solution.
- 이 요리는 너무 간단해.This dish is really simple.
- 그 작업은 간단해.That task is simple.
- 설명하기 간단한 요리예요.seol-myeong-ha-gi gan-dan-han yo-ri-ye-yo.It is a simple dish to explain.
- 그 문제는 아주 간단한 거예요.geu mun-je-neun a-ju gan-dan-han geo-ye-yo.That problem is very simple.
Example conversation
Minji and Minjun are discussing a math problem.
- 민지 Min-ji민준 씨, 이 수학 문제 너무 간단한 거 아니에요?Min-jun ssi, i su-hak mun-je neo-mu gan-dan-han geo a-ni-e-yo?Minjun, isn't this math problem too simple?
- 민준 Min-jun맞아요. 정말 간단한 문제네요.Ma-ja-yo. Jeong-mal gan-dan-han mun-je-ne-yo.You're right. It is a truly simple problem.
- 민지 Min-ji금방 풀 수 있을 것 같아요.Geum-bang pul su iss-eul geot gat-a-yo.I think I can solve it quickly.
- 민준 Min-jun민지 씨는 정말 똑똑하시네요.Min-ji ssi-neun jeong-mal ttok-ttok-ha-si-ne-yo.Minji, you are really smart.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
