Translation guide
The quality of being simple, uncomplicated, or easy to understand. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through nouns, adjectives, and phrases that emphasize plainness, lack of complexity, or straightforwardness.
Describing something as simple, uncomplicated, or not elaborate.
The most common word for 'simple' or 'easy'. Used for tasks, explanations, and things that are not complicated.
この問題は簡単です。
This problem is simple.
簡単な説明をお願いします。
Please give a simple explanation.
Means 'simple' in the sense of being uncomplicated or pure in structure. Often used for systems, designs, or ways of thinking.
この機械の構造は単純だ。
The structure of this machine is simple.
Loanword from English, often used for design, style, or concepts to mean 'simple and clean'.
このデザインはシンプルでいいね。
This design is nice and simple.
Describing something as plain, modest, or without ornamentation.
Means 'simple' or 'plain' in lifestyle, appearance, or taste. Often has a positive nuance of frugality or modesty.
彼は質素な生活を送っている。
He leads a simple life.
Means 'plain' or 'sober' in appearance, often used for clothing or design. Can have a slightly negative nuance of being dull.
Emphasizing that something is easy to do or understand.
Formal word for 'easy' or 'simple'. Often used in written language or official contexts.
この作業は容易ではない。
This task is not simple.
Means 'easy' or 'simple' in the sense of being handy or convenient, often for actions or tools.
Describing a person or attitude as straightforward, naive, or pure.
Means 'pure' or 'innocent', often used for a person's heart or motives. Can imply simplicity in a positive, untainted sense.
彼女の純粋な気持ちに感動した。
I was moved by her simple/pure feelings.
Means 'simple' or 'naive' in a charming, unsophisticated way. Often used for people, questions, or art.
簡単 (かんたん) is the most general word for 'simple' and often implies ease. 単純 (たんじゅん) focuses on structural simplicity, like a simple mechanism or a simple-minded person. Use 簡単 for tasks and explanations, 単純 for systems and character.
このパズルは簡単だ。
This puzzle is simple/easy.
彼は単純な考え方をする。
He has a simple way of thinking.
English often uses the noun 'simplicity', but in Japanese it's more natural to use an adjective like 簡単な or a verb phrase. For example, 'the simplicity of the design' is better expressed as デザインがシンプルなこと rather than a direct noun translation.
このデザインのシンプルさが好きです。
I like the simplicity of this design.
Those clothes are a bit too plain.
Please teach me a simple dish I can make easily.
I couldn't answer the child's simple question.