简单 jiǎndān simple
simple; not complicated
How to remember 简单: 简 simple + 单 single = simple.
Characters
How it is used
- "Simple, not complicated" - of a method, explanation, or design: 方法很简单 (fāngfǎ hěn jiǎndān) the method is simple.
- Overlaps with 容易 for an easy task, but 简单 stresses lack of complexity while 容易 stresses low effort/difficulty; opposite is 复杂 (fùzá, complex) - 问题很复杂 (wèntí hěn fùzá) the problem is complicated.
- Common in the phrase 简单来说 (jiǎndān lái shuō) to put it simply, and 不简单 (bù jiǎndān) meaning "impressive / no small feat."
Example sentences
- 这很简单。 Zhè hěn jiǎndān.It's very simple.
- 法语很简单。 Fǎyǔ hěn jiǎndān.French is easy.
- 这些房子的结构很简单。 Zhèixiē fángzi de jiégòu hěn jiǎndān.The structure of these houses is very simple.