sencillo
“sencillo” means “simple” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
simple, easy
Also: straightforward
📝 In Action
La receta es muy sencilla, solo lleva tres ingredientes.
A1The recipe is very simple; it only has three ingredients.
Para mí, el examen de matemáticas fue bastante sencillo.
A2For me, the math exam was quite easy.
plain, modest
Also: unpretentious
📝 In Action
A pesar de su fama, el actor lleva una vida muy sencilla.
B1Despite his fame, the actor leads a very modest life.
Me gusta la decoración sencilla de su casa, sin muchos adornos.
B1I like the plain decoration of her house, without many ornaments.
change, small bill
Also: single
📝 In Action
¿Tienes sencillo para pagar el autobús?
A2Do you have change (small bills) to pay for the bus?
Lo siento, no tengo sencillo, solo un billete de cincuenta.
B1I'm sorry, I don't have small bills, only a fifty-dollar note.
🔀 Commonly Confused With
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Words that translate to "sencillo" in Spanish:
change→easy→modest→plain→simple→single→small bill→straightforward→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: sencillo
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'sencillo' to mean 'modest' or 'unpretentious'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
It comes from the Latin word *singellus*, which was a diminutive (a smaller version) of *singulus*, meaning 'single' or 'alone.' The idea of being 'single' evolved into meaning 'not complex' or 'easy to manage.'
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'fácil' and 'sencillo'?
'Fácil' (easy) focuses purely on the lack of difficulty ('The test was easy'). 'Sencillo' (simple) focuses on the lack of complexity or adornment ('The instructions were simple'). They are often interchangeable when talking about tasks, but 'sencillo' can also describe style or personality ('a simple dress').
How do I make 'sencillo' feminine or plural?
Since 'sencillo' is an adjective, you change the ending: 'sencilla' (feminine singular), 'sencillos' (masculine plural), and 'sencillas' (feminine plural). For example, 'una vida sencilla' (a simple life).