simples
/SEEM-plehs/
simple
Showing something simples (simple) or easy to understand.
simples(adjective)
simple
?easy to understand
,easy
?not difficult
plain
?without decoration or complexity
,basic
?fundamental
📝 In Action
Las instrucciones eran tan simples que no necesitamos ayuda.
A1The instructions were so simple that we didn't need help.
Me gustan los diseños simples, sin muchos colores.
A2I like plain designs, without many colors.
Compramos unos muebles muy simples pero funcionales.
B1We bought some very basic but functional furniture.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Agreement
Since 'simples' is an adjective, it must match the thing it describes. Because it ends in '-es', it is used to describe things that are plural, regardless of whether they are masculine (los problemas) or feminine (las reglas).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the Singular Form with Plurals
Mistake: "Los problemas es simple."
Correction: Los problemas son simples. (Remember to use the plural form 'simples' when talking about more than one thing.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Ease and Complexity
While 'fácil' (easy) is often interchangeable, 'simple' emphasizes the lack of complexity or complication, making it a great word for describing concepts, designs, or structures.
Showing simples (simple people) or naïve folk.
simples(noun)
simple people
?common or naïve folk (often derogatory)
herbs
?archaic medical term (often 'hierbas simples')
,the basics
?the simple things in life
📝 In Action
Para los simples, una vida sin lujos es suficiente.
B2For the simple (minded), a life without luxuries is enough.
Ellos creen que solo los simples siguen esas modas.
B2They believe that only common folk follow those trends.
💡 Grammar Points
Using Adjectives as Nouns
Like many adjectives in Spanish, 'simples' can stand alone as a noun when preceded by an article (like 'los' or 'las'), referring to the people who possess that quality.
⭐ Usage Tips
Watch the Tone
When used as a noun to describe people ('los simples'), the word often carries a slightly negative or condescending implication, suggesting lack of intelligence or sophistication.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: simples
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'simples' as a description (adjective)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'simples' always mean 'easy'?
Not exactly. While it often translates to 'easy,' its core meaning is 'uncomplicated' or 'plain.' A simple meal might not be easy to cook, but it doesn't have many ingredients or elaborate steps.
How do I know if 'simples' refers to things or people?
If it comes immediately before or after a plural noun (like 'ideas simples'), it's an adjective describing that noun. If it stands alone, usually preceded by 'los' or 'las' (like 'para los simples'), it's being used as a noun referring to people.