sencilla
/sen-SEE-yah/
simple
Sencilla (simple): easy to understand.
sencilla(adjective)
simple
?easy to understand
,easy
?not difficult
straightforward
?direct and clear
📝 In Action
La pregunta era tan sencilla que todos la respondieron.
A1The question was so simple that everyone answered it.
Necesitamos una solución sencilla para este problema.
A2We need an easy solution for this problem.
La decoración de la casa es muy sencilla, pero elegante.
B1The house decoration is very simple, but elegant.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Agreement
Since 'sencilla' ends in 'a', it must be used with feminine singular nouns (like 'casa' or 'pregunta'). Remember to use 'sencillo' for masculine nouns.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Gender
Mistake: "El problema fue muy sencilla."
Correction: El problema fue muy sencillo. (Since 'problema' is masculine, the adjective must match.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Beyond 'Easy'
'Sencilla' is often used to describe style or character, meaning 'unpretentious' or 'natural,' which is slightly different from just 'fácil' (easy).
Sencilla (humble): modest character.
sencilla(adjective)
humble
?modest character
,unpretentious
?simple in style or manner
modest
?not showy
📝 In Action
A pesar de ser famosa, la actriz es muy sencilla con sus fans.
B1Despite being famous, the actress is very humble/down-to-earth with her fans.
Prefiere la ropa sencilla a las marcas caras.
B2She prefers modest clothing to expensive brands.
Sencilla (small change): coins, loose money.
📝 In Action
Disculpe, ¿tiene sencilla para pagar el taxi?
B2Excuse me, do you have small change to pay for the taxi?
El cajero me dio mucha sencilla.
C1The cashier gave me a lot of change/coins.
💡 Grammar Points
Noun Use
When used as a noun meaning 'change,' it is always feminine: 'la sencilla'. This usage is derived from the idea of 'simple' or 'small' money.
⭐ Usage Tips
Regional Note
If you are in Spain, use 'cambio' or 'monedas' instead. 'Sencilla' for money is most common in Mexico and parts of Central America.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: sencilla
Question 1 of 2
Which English word best describes 'una persona sencilla'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if 'sencilla' means 'simple' or 'humble'?
Look at what the word is describing. If it describes an object (like a recipe or a task), it means 'simple' or 'easy'. If it describes a person, their style, or their life, it means 'humble' or 'modest'.
Why does 'sencilla' have an 'a' at the end?
'Sencilla' is the feminine form. It must agree with a feminine noun, like 'una vida sencilla' (a simple life). If the noun were masculine, you would use 'sencillo', like 'un libro sencillo' (a simple book).