Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| simple | /ˈsimple/ |
| sencillo | /senˈθiʝo/ |
In general, these terms are used to describe things that are uncomplicated. However, in a technical botanical or medicinal context, the noun simple refers to a preparation made from a single plant.
Which one should you use?
While both mean uncomplicated, sencillo is often the preferred choice when describing something that is easy to do or easy to understand. There is also a distinction in how they describe people: describing a person as simple can carry a negative connotation of being naive or lacking intelligence, whereas sencillo describes someone who is humble or unpretentious.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective sencillo must agree in gender with the noun it modifies, changing to sencilla for feminine nouns. The adjective simple follows standard Spanish rules for pluralization by adding an 's' to form simples.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈsimple/
When do people say it?
If you want to express that something is very easy or simple, you can use the idiomatic phrase Pan comido, which literally means 'eaten bread'.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the word sencillo is used as a noun to refer to loose change or coins.
- The word sencillo is an etymological relative of the English word 'single'. Both derive from the Latin singulus, which refers to things taken one by one.
- The adjective simple is invariable for gender, meaning it stays the same whether the noun is masculine or feminine.
Examples in context
- No es tan simple.It's not that simple.This sentence is useful for showing how to negate the word simple.Tatoeba #5165686 by ecorralest101, translation #777268 by CM
- Todo es muy simple.Everything is extremely simple.This sentence is useful for describing something as extremely simple.Tatoeba #4752621 by DarkHollow, translation #4193779 by tinowls
- Es una tarea simple.It's a simple job.This sentence is useful for describing a task as simple.Tatoeba #3602881 by ficion, translation #3365414 by CK
- La solución a este problema es sencilla.The solution to this problem is simple.
- Este proyecto tiene una solución fácil.This project has a simple solution.
- No te preocupes, eso es pan comido.Don't worry, that's a piece of cake.
- 116 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are discussing a new recipe.
- SofíaLa receta es muy simple.The recipe is very simple.
- MateoSí, es un plato simple.Yes, it is a simple dish.
- Sofía¿No necesitas ingredientes raros?You don't need strange ingredients?
- MateoNo, todo es muy simple.No, everything is very simple.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “simple” translations and entries simple, sencillo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sencillo, simple, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
