simple
/seem-pleh/
simple
As an adjective, simple means something that is easy, not complex, or easy to understand.
simple(Adjective)
simple
?not complex, easy to understand
,easy
?not difficult
plain
?not decorated or elaborate
,single
?consisting of just one part; not double
,modest
?humble, not extravagant
,mere
?used to emphasize how small or insignificant something is
📝 In Action
Las instrucciones son muy simples.
A1The instructions are very simple.
Es una solución simple a un problema complicado.
A2It's a simple solution to a complicated problem.
Me gusta la decoración simple, sin muchos colores.
B1I like plain decor, without a lot of colors.
Quiero un billete simple a Barcelona, por favor.
B1I want a single ticket to Barcelona, please.
Es una persona simple, no necesita lujos para ser feliz.
B2He's a simple person, he doesn't need luxuries to be happy.
No es solo un simple error, tiene grandes consecuencias.
B2It's not just a mere mistake, it has big consequences.
💡 Grammar Points
One Form for Masculine and Feminine
Good news! simple doesn't change its ending for masculine or feminine things. It's un problema simple (a masculine problem) and una solución simple (a feminine solution). You just add an 's' for plural: simples.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Describing People
Mistake: "Calling a person `simple` can sometimes be misunderstood."
Correction: While `una persona simple` can mean 'a humble, down-to-earth person', it can also sometimes mean 'a simple-minded person'. The word `sencillo/a` is often a safer and more positive choice to describe a person's personality as 'simple' or 'unpretentious'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
The meaning of simple really depends on what you're describing. Un billete simple is a 'single ticket', un vestido simple is a 'plain dress', and una tarea simple is an 'easy task'. Pay attention to the noun it's with!
Used as a noun, un simple is an informal insult meaning 'simpleton' or 'fool'—someone who acts unintelligently or is easily tricked.
simple(Noun)
simpleton
?a foolish or unintelligent person
fool
?a silly person
,naive person
?someone easily tricked
📝 In Action
No seas un simple, ¡piensa antes de actuar!
B2Don't be a simpleton, think before you act!
El villano de la película trata al héroe como si fuera un simple.
C1The movie villain treats the hero as if he were a fool.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with Caution!
Calling someone un simple or una simple is an insult. It's much stronger than the adjective form and directly questions their intelligence. It's best to avoid using it unless you're very sure of the context.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: simple
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses `simple` to mean 'single' or 'one-way'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between `simple` and `sencillo`?
They are very close and often interchangeable, but there's a slight difference in feeling. `Simple` often just means 'not complex' or 'easy'. `Sencillo` can also mean that, but it often carries a more positive, charming feeling, like 'unpretentious' or 'elegantly simple'. For a person, `sencillo` is almost always a compliment, while `simple` can sometimes be negative.
Does `simple` always come after the noun?
Usually, yes. When it comes after the noun, it has its normal meaning ('easy', 'plain'). If you put it *before* the noun (e.g., `un simple error`), it often takes on the meaning of 'mere' or 'just', emphasizing how small or insignificant something is.