simplificar
/simplifiˈkaɾ/
To simplify in Spanish is simplificar.
The verb simplificar means to make something simpler. Its direct antonym is complicar, which means to make something more complex.
Meaning: to make simpler (verb)
Which one should you use?
The noun form for the process of making something simpler is simplificación.
How does it change in a sentence?
The gerund form used for simplifying is simplificando. If you want to say that he, she or it simplified (past tense), use the third-person singular preterite form simplificó.
How do you pronounce it?
/simplifiˈkaɾ/
Did you know?
- The phrase simplificación administrativa is tied to a fight against tramitología, a specific Spanish word for the obsession with excessive red tape and bureaucratic paperwork.
- In Spanish, the word simple is not always a compliment. In some dialects, calling someone simple suggests they are naive or foolish rather than uncomplicated.
- The antonym complicar is often used as a personality trait. If a person is described as complicado, it means they are stubborn or difficult to please, not just complex.
Examples in context
- Un buen escritor necesita el don de simplificar lo complicado.A good writer needs to be able to simplify complicated things.This sentence shows how a writer might use the verb simplificar regarding complicated matters.Tatoeba #2082750 by marcelostockle, translation #10631350 by DJ_Saidez
- No hay nada más difícil que simplificar. No hay nada más sencillo que complicar.There's nothing more difficult than to simplify. There's nothing simpler than to complicate.This sentence uses simplificar to contrast the difficulty of simplifying against the simplicity of complicating.Tatoeba #13104821 by carlosalberto, translation #13104271 by Adelpa
- Podemos simplificar el proceso de producción para mejorar la eficiencia.We can simplify the production process to improve efficiency.
- Debemos simplificar el proceso de registro.We must simplify the registration process.
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are discussing a new project at work.
- MaríaAlejandro, ¿podemos simplificar este plan?Alejandro, can we simplify this plan?
- AlejandroSí, María, es demasiado complejo.Yes, María, it is too complex.
- MaríaQuiero simplificar los pasos principales.I want to simplify the main steps.
- AlejandroEso ayudará mucho al equipo.That will help the team a lot.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “simplify” translations and entries simplificar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
