Inklingo

How to Say "simply" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “simply” is “simplemente” — use this when 'simply' means 'just' or 'only,' to emphasize that something is no more than what you are stating, or to describe something in a plain, uncomplicated way.

English → Spanish

simplemente

seem-pleh-MEN-tehsimple'mente

adverbA2
Use this when 'simply' means 'just' or 'only,' to emphasize that something is no more than what you are stating, or to describe something in a plain, uncomplicated way.
A cartoon hand reaching out to press a single, large, glowing green button centered on a plain white control panel, illustrating the concept of 'just' or 'only' this action.

Examples

No estoy enojado, simplemente estoy cansado.

I'm not angry, I'm just tired.

Para empezar, simplemente presiona el botón verde.

To start, simply press the green button.

A veces, la mejor solución es simplemente esperar.

Sometimes, the best solution is simply to wait.

La casa estaba decorada muy simplemente, pero con buen gusto.

The house was decorated very simply, but with good taste.

Where to Put 'Simplemente' in a Sentence

'Simplemente' is pretty flexible. You can often put it right before the verb or the part of the sentence you want to emphasize. For example, 'Simplemente no entiendo' (I just don't understand) and 'No entiendo, simplemente' both work.

Confusing 'Simplemente' and 'Solo'

Mistake: “Using 'simplemente' when you mean 'alone'. For example, 'Viajo simplemente.'”

Correction: To say 'I'm traveling alone,' you must use 'solo': 'Viajo solo/sola.' 'Simplemente' means 'just' or 'simply,' not 'alone'.

fácilmente

adverbA2
Use this when 'simply' means 'easily,' referring to how something can be done without difficulty.

Examples

Puedes encontrar la información fácilmente en internet.

You can easily find the information on the internet.

sencillamente

sen-see-yah-MEN-tehsen.si.ʝaˈmen.te

adverbB1
Use this to describe an action or way of doing something that is basic, plain, or uncomplicated, often for ease of understanding.
A child drawing a basic smiley face on a piece of paper with a single yellow crayon.

Examples

Tienes que explicarlo sencillamente para que los niños lo entiendan.

You have to explain it simply so that the children understand.

Sencillamente no tengo suficiente dinero para ese coche.

I simply don't have enough money for that car.

Ella se viste sencillamente, pero siempre se ve elegante.

She dresses plainly, but she always looks elegant.

The '-mente' Ending

In Spanish, you can turn many adjectives into adverbs (words that describe actions) by taking the feminine form of the adjective and adding '-mente' to the end.

Word Order for Emphasis

When you want to emphasize a feeling or a fact, place 'sencillamente' right before the verb or the adjective it describes.

Using the wrong adjective base

Mistake: “sencillomente”

Correction: sencillamente. You must always use the 'a' (feminine) version of the adjective before adding -mente.

Confusion with 'simplemente'

Mistake: “Using 'simplemente' for personality.”

Correction: While they are often interchangeable, 'sencillamente' is more common when talking about someone's humble or basic lifestyle/manner.

puramente

poo-rah-MEN-tehpuɾaˈmente

adverbB1
Use this when 'simply' means 'purely' or 'merely,' emphasizing that something is nothing more than what is stated, with no other factors involved.
A single, bright red apple sitting alone in a plain white bowl, symbolizing something that is purely and exclusively one thing.

Examples

Esto es puramente una coincidencia.

This is purely a coincidence.

Lo hizo puramente por curiosidad.

He did it simply out of curiosity.

Es un trámite puramente administrativo.

It is a strictly administrative procedure.

Creating adverbs with -mente

To make this word, we take the feminine version of 'puro' (which is 'pura') and add '-mente' to the end. It's just like adding '-ly' in English!

Where to put it

You usually place this word right before the adjective it describes (like 'puramente técnico') or after the action it describes.

Using the wrong ending

Mistake: “puromente”

Correction: puramente. When adding '-mente', always use the 'a' ending of the base word if it has one.

nomás

adverbA2informal
Use this informal word when 'simply' means 'only' or 'just,' often to limit or emphasize a small quantity or duration.

Examples

Vine por dos días nomás.

I came for only two days.

Simply vs. Easily

The most common confusion is between 'simplemente' and 'fácilmente.' Remember, 'simplemente' often means 'just' or 'only,' while 'fácilmente' specifically means 'easily' or without difficulty. Don't use 'simplemente' when you intend to convey ease of action.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.