simple
“simple” means “simple” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
simple, easy
Also: plain, single, modest, mere
📝 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.
simpleton
Also: fool, naive person
📝 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.
🔀 Commonly Confused With
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "simple" in Spanish:
easy→fool→mere→modest→naive person→plain→simple→simpleton→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: simple
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses `simple` to mean 'single' or 'one-way'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
`simple` comes directly from the Latin word `simplex`, which meant 'single' or 'uncompounded'. It was formed from `sim-` (one) and `-plex` (fold). So, literally, 'one-fold'—the opposite of `duplex` ('two-fold')!
First recorded: Around the 12th century
Cognates (Related words)
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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.