Inklingo

How to Say "simple" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “simple” is “sencillo” — use this when describing something that is not complicated, like a recipe or a task, emphasizing its lack of complexity.

sencillo🔊A1

Use this when describing something that is not complicated, like a recipe or a task, emphasizing its lack of complexity.

Learn more →
fácilA1

Choose this when referring to something that requires little effort or is easy to accomplish, like an exam or a challenge.

Learn more →
simple🔊A1

Use this for things that are not complex or elaborate, often referring to basic instructions or straightforward concepts.

Learn more →
básicoA2

This applies to things that are fundamental, essential, or lack luxury and elaborate features, like basic necessities or a minimalist apartment.

Learn more →
llano🔊A1

Use this to describe something that is flat, smooth, or straightforward, such as terrain or a direct communication style.

Learn more →
humilde🔊B1

This word describes a lack of luxury, pretense, or social standing, often referring to a person's background or a modest lifestyle.

Learn more →
sobrio🔊B1

Apply this to describe something understated, lacking ostentation, and often elegant, like decor or a person's demeanor.

Learn more →
fácilesA1

Use this plural form when referring to multiple items, such as instructions or rules, that are easy to understand or complete.

Learn more →
English → Spanish

sencillo

sen-SEE-yohsenˈθiʎo

AdjectiveA1general
Use this when describing something that is not complicated, like a recipe or a task, emphasizing its lack of complexity.
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'.

fácil

AdjectiveA1general
Choose this when referring to something that requires little effort or is easy to accomplish, like an exam or a challenge.

Examples

El examen de español fue muy fácil.

The Spanish exam was very easy.

simple

seem-pleh'simple

AdjectiveA1general
Use this for things that are not complex or elaborate, often referring to basic instructions or straightforward concepts.
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'.

básico

AdjectiveA2general
This applies to things that are fundamental, essential, or lack luxury and elaborate features, like basic necessities or a minimalist apartment.

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.

llano

yah-noˈʝano

adjectiveA1general
Use this to describe something that is flat, smooth, or straightforward, such as terrain or a direct communication style.
A smooth, flat wooden tabletop with a single green apple sitting on it.

Examples

El terreno es muy llano y perfecto para construir.

The land is very flat and perfect for building.

Me gusta su lenguaje llano porque todos lo entienden.

I like his simple language because everyone understands him.

A pesar de su fama, sigue siendo un hombre llano.

Despite his fame, he is still a down-to-earth man.

Changing for Gender

Since this is an adjective, remember to change the ending to 'llana' if the person or thing you are describing is feminine (e.g., 'una superficie llana').

Word Stress Category

In Spanish grammar lessons, you will hear about 'palabras llanas'. These are words where you put the emphasis on the second-to-last syllable, like 'casa' or 'perro'.

Llano vs. Plano

Mistake: “Using 'llano' for a map or a 2D floor plan.”

Correction: Use 'plano' for maps or diagrams. Use 'llano' for physical ground or personality.

humilde

oo-MEEL-dehuˈmil.de

AdjectiveB1general
This word describes a lack of luxury, pretense, or social standing, often referring to a person's background or a modest lifestyle.
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-brioˈso.βɾjo

adjectiveB1general
Apply this to describe something understated, lacking ostentation, and often elegant, like decor or a person's demeanor.
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).

fáciles

adjectiveA1general
Use this plural form when referring to multiple items, such as instructions or rules, that are easy to understand or complete.

Examples

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

Math is difficult, but these exercises are very easy.

Simple vs. Easy vs. Basic

Learners often confuse 'simple' (sencillo/simple) with 'easy' (fácil). 'Sencillo' and 'simple' refer to a lack of complexity, while 'fácil' refers to a lack of difficulty. Something can be simple but difficult, or complex but easy!

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.