Translation guide
The English word "ease" covers several distinct meanings: lack of difficulty, comfort/relaxation, and the action of making something less severe. Japanese expresses these with different words and phrases. This guide breaks them down by intended meaning.
Describing that something is easy to do or happens without difficulty.
The most common word for "easy" or "simple." Used for tasks, problems, or things that are not complicated.
この問題は簡単です。
This problem is easy.
料理は簡単だ。
Cooking is easy.
A more formal or written word for "easy." Often used in official contexts or when describing something that can be done without much effort.
容易に解決できる問題ではない。
It's not a problem that can be easily solved.
Means "easy" in the sense of being comfortable or not requiring much physical/mental effort. Often used for tasks or situations that are not strenuous.
この仕事は楽だ。
This job is easy (not hard work).
楽な姿勢で座ってください。
Please sit in a comfortable position.
An adverbial phrase meaning "without difficulty" or "easily." Somewhat literary.
彼はわけなく試験に合格した。
He passed the exam with ease.
Describing a state of being comfortable, relaxed, or free from anxiety.
Means "peace of mind" or "relief." Used when someone feels safe or free from worry.
その知らせを聞いて安心した。
I felt at ease when I heard the news.
どうぞご安心ください。
Please rest assured. (Please feel at ease.)
Means "carefree" or "at ease." Describes a relaxed mental state without pressure.
A verb meaning "to relax" or "to make oneself comfortable," often physically.
A loanword from English, commonly used for "relax."
音楽を聴いてリラックスする。
I listen to music and relax.
Describing the action of reducing pain, tension, difficulty, or burden.
Transitive verb meaning "to soften," "to ease (pain, tension, etc.)."
A formal term meaning "to ease," "to mitigate," or "to alleviate." Often used for regulations, pain, or stress.
規制を緩和する。
to ease regulations
ストレスを緩和する方法
ways to ease stress
Means "to reduce" or "to lighten" a burden, pain, or load. Often used in formal contexts.
負担を軽減する。
to ease the burden
A common phrase meaning "to make easier" or "to relieve." Used for physical or mental comfort.
少し楽にしてあげる。
I'll make it a little easier for you.
心を楽にする。
to ease one's mind
Describing moving something slowly and carefully into position.
Means "to move gently/carefully." Used when easing something into place.
箱をそっと動かして隙間に入れた。
I eased the box into the gap.
Literally "to put in slowly." Used for easing something into a tight space.
鍵をゆっくり入れた。
I eased the key in.
English "ease" is often used in set phrases like "at ease" (military) or "ill at ease." These have specific Japanese equivalents that don't use the words above. For example, "ill at ease" is 落ち着かない (おちつかない). Always consider the whole phrase.
簡単 (かんたん) is the most general and common word for "easy." 容易 (ようい) is more formal and often used in writing. 楽 (らく) implies comfort and lack of strenuous effort, not just simplicity.
彼は簡単に試験に合格した。
He passed the test with ease.
ここでは気楽に感じる。
I feel at ease here.
この薬は痛みを和らげます。
This medicine will ease the pain.
Please speak freely (without feeling tense).
彼はいつも気楽だ。
He is always at ease.
家でくつろいでいる。
I'm relaxing at home.