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.
This problem is easy.
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.
This test is too easy.
A more formal or written term for "easy." Often used in official documents or academic contexts.
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.
This chair is easy to sit in (comfortable).
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.
Please speak freely (in an easy, relaxed way).
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.
This glass is easy to break.
He catches colds easily.
Used adverbially to mean "easily" in the sense of "without difficulty" or "readily."
He is easily fooled.
Telling someone to relax or not to overwork.
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.
This book is easy to read.
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.