简单 (jiǎndān)

简单 means simple, easy, or straightforward. It can describe things that are not difficult (a simple task), people who are uncomplicated (a simple, honest person), or situations that are not involved (a simple explanation). In some contexts it can be slightly dismissive, implying something is too basic.

Meanings

[adjective] Simple; easy; uncomplicated; plain; straightforward.

Example Sentences

这道数学题看起来简单，但实际上需要一定的技巧。 Zhè dào shùxué tí kàn qǐlái jiǎndān, dàn shíjì shàng xūyào yīdìng de jìqiǎo. This math problem looks simple, but in fact requires a certain level of skill.

他为人简单直接，从不说违心的话。 Tā wéirén jiǎndān zhíjiē, cóng bù shuō wéixīn de huà. He is a simple, straightforward person who never says things he does not mean.

请用简单的语言解释这个概念，让初学者也能理解。 Qǐng yòng jiǎndān de yǔyán jiěshì zhège gàiniàn, ràng chūxuézhě yě néng lǐjiě. Please explain this concept in simple language so that beginners can also understand.

事情没有你想象的那么简单，背后有很多复杂的因素。 Shìqing méiyǒu nǐ xiǎngxiàng de nàme jiǎndān, bèihòu yǒu hěn duō fùzá de yīnsù. The matter is not as simple as you imagine; there are many complex factors behind it.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
简单明了	simple and clear
简单介绍	brief introduction
简单粗暴	crude and simplistic
很简单	very simple
简单来说	simply put; in short

Usage Notes

简单 is the antonym of 复杂 (fùzá, complex). The phrase 简单来说 or 简单地说 is a useful discourse marker meaning "simply put" or "in short." Note that 简单 can also carry a slightly negative connotation when describing a person's thinking: 他想得太简单了 (He is thinking too simplistically) implies naive or insufficient consideration.

Memory Hook

简 contains the bamboo radical 竹, suggesting bamboo strips used for writing. 单 means "single/alone." A simple message written on a single bamboo strip — no extra pages, no unnecessary complexity.