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.
This problem is simple.
Means 'simple' in the sense of being uncomplicated or pure in structure. Often used for systems, designs, or ways of thinking.
Loanword from English, often used for design, style, or concepts to mean 'simple and clean'.
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.
Emphasizing that something is easy to do or understand.
Formal word for 'easy' or 'simple'. Often used in written language or official contexts.
Describing a person or attitude as straightforward, naive, or pure.
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.
This puzzle is simple/easy.
Please give a simple explanation.
この機械の構造は単純だ。
The structure of this machine is simple.
このデザインはシンプルでいいね。
This design is nice and simple.
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.
Those clothes are a bit too plain.
This task is not simple.
Means 'easy' or 'simple' in the sense of being handy or convenient, often for actions or tools.
Please teach me a simple dish I can make easily.
Means 'pure' or 'innocent', often used for a person's heart or motives. Can imply simplicity in a positive, untainted sense.
I was moved by her simple/pure feelings.
Means 'simple' or 'naive' in a charming, unsophisticated way. Often used for people, questions, or art.
I couldn't answer the child's simple question.
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.
I like the simplicity of this design.