Inklingo

How to Say "easy" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “easy” is “fácil” — use this word to describe something that requires little effort or is not complicated in nature, like a test or a task..

fácilA1

Use this word to describe something that requires little effort or is not complicated in nature, like a test or a task.

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sencillo🔊A1

This word is best for describing something uncomplicated or straightforward, often referring to a process, recipe, or explanation.

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simple🔊A1

Use 'simple' when referring to things that are basic, uncomplicated, or lack complexity, similar to 'sencillo'.

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cómodoB1

Choose 'cómodo' when 'easy' implies convenience or comfort, especially regarding a process or a way of doing something.

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fácilesA1

This is the plural form of 'fácil', used when referring to multiple tasks, concepts, or items that are easy.

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ligera🔊B2

Use 'ligera' to describe a task or workload that is not demanding or heavy, implying it will be finished quickly.

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tirado🔊B1

This informal term is used to describe something that is extremely cheap or requires almost no effort, often used for bargains.

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English → Spanish

fácil

AdjectiveA1General
Use this word to describe something that requires little effort or is not complicated in nature, like a test or a task.

Examples

El examen de español fue muy fácil.

The Spanish exam was very easy.

sencillo

sen-SEE-yoh/senˈθiʎo/

AdjectiveA1General
This word is best for describing something uncomplicated or straightforward, often referring to a process, recipe, or explanation.
A perfectly formed, primary red square block resting alone on a clean white surface, representing simplicity.

Examples

La receta es muy sencilla, solo lleva tres ingredientes.

The recipe is very simple; it only has three ingredients.

Para mí, el examen de matemáticas fue bastante sencillo.

For me, the math exam was quite easy.

Adjective Agreement

Remember that 'sencillo' must match the noun it describes in gender (masculine or feminine) and number (singular or plural). For a feminine noun like 'vida', use 'sencilla'.

simple

/seem-pleh//'simple/

AdjectiveA1General
Use 'simple' when referring to things that are basic, uncomplicated, or lack complexity, similar to 'sencillo'.
A colorful illustration showing a child smiling while easily placing the final, large piece into a three-piece wooden puzzle shaped like a star, symbolizing something easy to do.

Examples

Las instrucciones son muy simples.

The instructions are very simple.

Es una solución simple a un problema complicado.

It's a simple solution to a complicated problem.

Me gusta la decoración simple, sin muchos colores.

I like plain decor, without a lot of colors.

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.

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'.

cómodo

AdjectiveB1General
Choose 'cómodo' when 'easy' implies convenience or comfort, especially regarding a process or a way of doing something.

Examples

Es más cómodo pagar con tarjeta que usar efectivo.

It is more convenient to pay by card than to use cash.

fáciles

AdjectiveA1General
This is the plural form of 'fácil', used when referring to multiple tasks, concepts, or items that are easy.

Examples

Las matemáticas son difíciles, pero estos ejercicios son muy fáciles.

Math is difficult, but these exercises are very easy.

ligera

lee-HEH-rah/liˈxe.ɾa/

AdjectiveB2General
Use 'ligera' to describe a task or workload that is not demanding or heavy, implying it will be finished quickly.
A close-up of a knee with a small, colorful adhesive bandage covering a tiny, minor scrape.

Examples

La tarea de hoy es muy ligera, terminarás en diez minutos.

Today's homework is very easy/light, you'll finish in ten minutes.

Afortunadamente, solo fue una quemadura ligera.

Fortunately, it was only a minor burn.

Figurative Use

This meaning extends the idea of 'lightness' to difficulty. If a task or problem is 'light', it means it doesn't carry much weight or seriousness.

tirado

tee-RAH-doh/tiˈɾa.ðo/

AdjectiveB1Informal
This informal term is used to describe something that is extremely cheap or requires almost no effort, often used for bargains.
A large toy sailboat next to a single, small button, symbolizing a very low price.

Examples

Compré estos zapatos por diez euros. ¡Estaban tirados!

I bought these shoes for ten euros. They were dirt cheap!

El proyecto final fue tirado; lo terminamos en una hora.

The final project was super easy; we finished it in an hour.

Adjective Agreement

Since 'tirado' is an adjective, you must change the ending to match the noun it describes: 'La blusa está tirada' (f.) or 'Los libros están tirados' (pl.).

Fácil vs. Cómodo

Learners often confuse 'fácil' (not difficult) with 'cómodo' (convenient). Remember that 'fácil' relates to the inherent difficulty of a task, while 'cómodo' relates to the ease or comfort of the process itself.

Related Translations

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