Translation guide
The English word "easy" covers a range of meanings from simple tasks to relaxed attitudes. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression based on the intended nuance.
Describing a task, problem, or situation that requires little effort or skill.
The most common and versatile word for "easy" in the sense of simple or uncomplicated. Suitable for most contexts.
この問題は簡単です。
This problem is easy.
料理は簡単だった。
Cooking was easy.
Often used for tasks or questions that are easy to understand or solve. Can also mean "kind" when written 優しい, so context is important.
このテストは易しすぎる。
This test is too easy.
A more formal or written term for "easy." Often used in official documents or academic contexts.
その作業は容易ではない。
That task is not easy.
Describing something that makes a task easy, such as a tool, method, or situation.
Implies ease in terms of comfort, lack of effort, or convenience. Often used for physical ease or when something is made easy by a tool.
この椅子は座り心地が楽だ。
This chair is easy to sit in (comfortable).
電車で行くほうが楽だよ。
It's easier to go by train.
Emphasizes ease and simplicity, often for tasks that are quick and require little preparation. Common for cooking or small chores.
Describing a person, manner, or atmosphere that is not strict, formal, or tense.
Means carefree, relaxed, or easygoing. Used for a person's attitude or a situation without pressure.
気楽に話してください。
Please speak freely (in an easy, relaxed way).
彼はいつも気楽だ。
He is always easygoing.
Describes a relaxed, unhurried manner. Often used for taking it easy or enjoying leisure time.
Expressing that something is susceptible or likely to happen.
Attached to the stem of a verb to mean "easy to do" or "likely to happen." This is the most natural way to express this nuance.
このガラスは割れやすい。
This glass is easy to break.
彼は風邪をひきやすい。
He catches colds easily.
Used adverbially to mean "easily" in the sense of "without difficulty" or "readily."
彼は簡単に騙される。
He is easily fooled.
Telling someone to relax or not to overwork.
Literally "don't overdo it," this is the most common way to say "take it easy" when concerned about someone's health or workload.
あまり無理しないでね。
Take it easy, okay?
Means "rest well" or "take a good rest," often used when someone is tired or sick.
今日はゆっくり休んでください。
Please take it easy today.
簡単 (かんたん) is the most common and general word for "easy." 易しい (やさしい) often implies ease of understanding, while 容易 (ようい) is formal and used in writing. In casual speech, 簡単 is usually the best choice.
この本は簡単に読める。
This book is easy to read.
この本は易しい。
This book is easy (to understand).
Do not use 簡単 or 易しい to describe a person's character as "easygoing." Use 気楽 (きらく) or のんびり instead. Saying 彼は簡単だ would mean "he is simple (uncomplicated)," which can sound odd or insulting.
Please tell me a dish that's easy to make.
週末はのんびり過ごしたい。
I want to take it easy this weekend.