How to Say "Simple Words" in Russian

простые слова

prostye slova

The Russian phrase for "simple words" is простые слова (prostye slova).

This phrase refers to language that is easy to understand and not complex.

What does it mean word for word?

The phrase is composed of the adjective простые (simple/plain) and the noun слова (words).

The phrase changes to простых слов when used in the genitive case, such as when following a preposition like без (without).

prostye slova

The adjective простые also means 'prime' when discussing mathematics. A 'prime number' is called простое число, literally a 'simple number'.
While 'simple words' sounds neutral in English, using простые слова to describe a person's speech can sometimes carry a subtle social connotation of being 'uneducated' or 'low-class'.
The word слово (word) is used in Russian idioms to mean 'promise' or 'one's bond', so a 'simple word' could metaphorically refer to a basic commitment.

Я постараюсь использовать простые слова.
I'll try to use simple words.
This sentence demonstrates how to express the intention of using простые слова.
Tatoeba #10336933 by odexed, translation #10335071 by DJ_Saidez
Пиши только простые слова в своём письме.
Pishi tol'ko prostyye slova v svoyom pis'me.
Use only simple words in your letter.
Он объяснил задачу, используя простые слова.
On ob'yasnil zadachu, ispol'zuya prostyye slova.
He explained the task using simple words.

Anastasia is helping Andrey study a difficult text.

Анастасия Anastasia

Этот текст слишком сложный для тебя.
Etot tekst slishkom slozhnyy dlya tebya.
This text is too difficult for you.
Андрей Andrey

Да, я не всё понимаю.
Da, ya ne vsyo ponimayu.
Yes, I don't understand everything.
Анастасия Anastasia

Я перескажу всё через простые слова.
Ya pereskazhu vsyo cherez prostye slova.
I will retell everything using simple words.
Андрей Andrey

Спасибо, Анастасия, так будет лучше.
Spasibo, Anastasiya, tak budet luchshe.
Thank you, Anastasia, that will be better.

Sources

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