Inklingo

How to Say "simple" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “simple” is “sencillo” — use this when something is not complicated, easy to follow, or straightforward, like a recipe or a task..

sencillo🔊A1

Use this when something is not complicated, easy to follow, or straightforward, like a recipe or a task.

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simple🔊A1

Use this for things that are not complex, easy to understand, or basic in nature, often referring to ideas or instructions.

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fácilA1

This translates to 'easy' and is used when something requires little effort or is not difficult to do or understand.

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fácilesA1

This is the plural form of 'fácil', used specifically when referring to multiple items that are easy, such as exercises or rules.

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básicoA2

Use this when describing something as fundamental, essential, or lacking elaboration and luxury, like basic amenities.

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humilde🔊B1

This means 'humble' or 'unpretentious,' often referring to a person's background or a lifestyle that is not luxurious.

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sobrio🔊B1

Use this to describe something as understated, plain, or lacking excessive decoration, often in terms of style or appearance.

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English → Spanish

sencillo

sen-SEE-yoh/senˈθiʎo/

adjectiveA1general
Use this when something is not complicated, easy to follow, or straightforward, like a recipe or a task.
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 this for things that are not complex, easy to understand, or basic in nature, often referring to ideas or instructions.
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'.

fácil

adjectiveA1general
This translates to 'easy' and is used when something requires little effort or is not difficult to do or understand.

Examples

El examen de español fue muy fácil.

The Spanish exam was very easy.

fáciles

adjectiveA1general
This is the plural form of 'fácil', used specifically when referring to multiple items that are easy, such as exercises or rules.

Examples

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

Math is difficult, but these exercises are very easy.

básico

adjectiveA2general
Use this when describing something as fundamental, essential, or lacking elaboration and luxury, like basic amenities.

Examples

El apartamento es muy básico, solo tiene una cama y una mesa.

The apartment is very basic/simple; it only has a bed and a table.

humilde

oo-MEEL-deh/uˈmil.de/

adjectiveB1general
This means 'humble' or 'unpretentious,' often referring to a person's background or a lifestyle that is not luxurious.
A small, unpainted wooden cottage with a single window and a simple stone path leading to the door, surrounded by green grass.

Examples

A pesar de su origen humilde, llegó a ser presidente.

Despite his humble origin, he became president.

Viven en una casa humilde, pero es muy acogedora.

They live in a simple/modest house, but it is very cozy.

Pidió un trabajo humilde para empezar a ganar dinero.

He asked for a lowly job to start earning money.

Describing Things

When describing things like houses or backgrounds, 'humilde' means 'simple' or 'not fancy' rather than lacking self-confidence.

sobrio

/so-brio//ˈso.βɾjo/

adjectiveB1general
Use this to describe something as understated, plain, or lacking excessive decoration, often in terms of style or appearance.
A single, elegantly designed wooden chair with clean, straight lines and no excessive ornamentation, placed against a solid, light background.

Examples

La decoración de la oficina era sobria y elegante.

The office decor was simple/understated and elegant.

Prefiere vestir con colores sobrios, como el gris y el azul marino.

She prefers to dress in plain/neutral colors, like grey and navy blue.

Su comportamiento siempre fue sobrio y discreto.

His behavior was always modest and discreet.

Use with 'Ser'

When describing style or personality, this is usually a characteristic, so use the verb 'ser' (to be permanent): 'El diseño es sobrio' (The design is understated).

Simple vs. Easy

Learners often confuse 'simple' (sencillo/simple) with 'easy' (fácil). Remember that 'sencillo' and 'simple' refer to a lack of complexity, while 'fácil' refers to a lack of difficulty or effort required.

Related Translations

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