simplemente
/ˌsimpleˈmente/
The English word 'simply' can be translated into Spanish as simplemente or sencillamente.
Meaning: in a simple manner (adv)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| simplemente | /ˌsimpleˈmente/ |
| sencillamente | /senˌθiʝaˈmente/ |
Simplemente often emphasizes the limitation or the 'just' aspect of a statement. Sencillamente emphasizes the lack of complexity or the straightforward nature of an action.
What does it mean word for word?
Simplemente is formed from the adjective simple and the adverbial suffix -mente.
Which one should you use?
Sencillamente emphasizes the lack of complexity or the straightforward nature of an action, whereas simplemente often emphasizes the limitation or the 'just' aspect of a statement.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both simplemente and sencillamente are indeclinable, meaning they do not change for gender or number.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌsimpleˈmente/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, sencillo can describe both a 'simple' task and a 'small denomination' coin. If you ask for sencillo, you might be asking for change rather than a simple explanation.
- The suffix -mente used in simplemente comes from the Latin word mēns meaning 'mind'. It originally described how something was done in the mind before becoming a general way to form adverbs.
- Spanish speakers often avoid using the long adverbs simplemente or sencillamente in casual speech, preferring the short word solo to convey the meaning of 'simply'.
Examples in context
- Simplemente no lo sé.I simply don't know.This sentence shows how to use simplemente to express a lack of knowledge.Tatoeba #3441227 by Shishir, translation #2271937 by CK
- Simplemente no lo entienden.They simply don't understand.This sentence uses simplemente to describe a lack of understanding.Tatoeba #10093284 by manufrutos, translation #10069696 by ddnktr
- Simplemente no sé qué decir…I simply don't know what to say…This sentence uses simplemente to express being at a loss for words.Tatoeba #2493 by Shishir, translation #693485 by Eldad
- Solo quiero descansarI just want to rest
- ¿Cómo puedo explicar esto de forma sencilla?How can I explain this simply?
- Tranqui, simplemente utilízalo como un ejemplo básicoDon't worry, simply use it as a basic example
- Solo tienes que seguir esta fórmula sencillaYou just have to follow this simple formula
- 53 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are discussing a project.
- Lucía¿Cómo podemos terminar esto rápido?How can we finish this quickly?
- MateoPodemos hacerlo simplemente siguiendo este plan.We can do it simply by following this plan.
- LucíaEsa es una buena idea, Mateo.That is a good idea, Mateo.
- MateoMe alegra que te guste.I am glad you like it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “simply” translations and entries simplemente, sencillamente, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sencillamente, simplemente, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
