cosas simples
/kosas simples/from spelling rules
The English phrase "simple things" is translated into Spanish as cosas simples.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of cosas (things) and simples (simple).
Which one should you use?
While cosas simples is correct, the phrase cosas sencillas is often preferred when describing things that are easy, uncomplicated or modest in nature.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase cosas simples, both the noun cosas and the adjective simples are in the plural form to agree in number. To express the singular "simple thing", both the noun and the adjective must be singular: cosa simple.
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, describing a person as simple can be a veiled insult implying they are naive or lacking in intelligence, whereas calling them sencillo is almost always a compliment to their character.
- In Spanish, the word cosa is used in the legal phrase cosa juzgada, which translates to 'res judicata' in English. It refers to a matter that has been officially decided by a court and cannot be relitigated.
- The word cosa is so versatile in Spanish that it is often used as a filler word, similar to how an English speaker might use 'thingy' or 'stuff' when they cannot remember a specific noun.
Examples in context
- A Tom le gustan cosas simples.Tom likes simple things.This sentence shows how to express liking simple things.Tatoeba #14043780 by rul, translation #12945275 by rul
- La esencia de las matemáticas no es hacer las cosas simples complicadas, sino hacer las cosas complicadas simples.The essence of mathematics is not to make simple things complicated, but to make complicated things simple.This sentence uses the phrase to contrast simple and complicated things in mathematics.Tatoeba #6369592 by Adelpa, translation #6369583 by Adelpa
- Disfruto de las cosas simples de la vida.I enjoy the simple things in life.
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are walking in a park.
- MaríaMira ese paisaje, Alejandro.Look at that landscape, Alejandro.
- AlejandroSí, me encantan las cosas simples.Yes, I love simple things.
- MaríaLa naturaleza es perfecta.Nature is perfect.
- AlejandroTienes razón, María.You are right, María.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
