简化 (jiǎnhuà) — to simplify, to streamline

HSK 5 | verb | reduction of complexity while preserving core function

简化 (jiǎnhuà)

简化 means to simplify or streamline something by reducing unnecessary complexity while retaining its essential function or meaning.

Meanings

  1. [verb] to simplify, to streamline, to reduce complexity
  2. [noun] simplification (often as a modifier: 简化字 simplified characters)

Example Sentences

政府出台措施简化行政审批程序,提高办事效率。 Zhèngfǔ chūtái cuòshī jiǎnhuà xíngzhèng shěnpī chéngxù, tígāo bànshì xiàolǜ. The government has introduced measures to simplify administrative approval procedures and improve efficiency.

汉字简化是中国在上世纪五十年代推行的文字改革。 Hànzì jiǎnhuà shì Zhōngguó zài shàng shìjì wǔshí niándài tuīxíng de wénzì gǎigé. Character simplification was a script reform promoted by China in the 1950s.

为了方便用户理解,说明书已经过大幅简化。 Wèile fāngbiàn yònghù lǐjiě, shuōmíng shū yǐjīng guò dàfú jiǎnhuà. The manual has been greatly simplified to make it easier for users to understand.

简化流程不代表降低标准,质量依然是第一位的。 Jiǎnhuà liúchéng bù dàibiǎo jiàngdī biāozhǔn, zhìliàng yīrán shì dì yī wèi de. Simplifying processes does not mean lowering standards; quality is still the top priority.

他用简化的语言向孩子解释了这个复杂的概念。 Tā yòng jiǎnhuà de yǔyán xiàng háizi jiěshì le zhège fùzá de gàiniàn. He explained this complex concept to the child using simplified language.

这款应用程序通过简化界面赢得了大量用户。 Zhè kuǎn yìngyòng chéngxù tōngguò jiǎnhuà jièmiàn yíngdé le dàliàng yònghù. This application won a large number of users by simplifying its interface.

Collocations

Collocation Meaning
简化程序 to simplify procedures
简化手续 to simplify formalities
简化字 simplified Chinese characters
大幅简化 to greatly simplify
简化管理 to streamline management
简化流程 to streamline processes

Usage Notes

简化 carries a positive connotation of making things more accessible and efficient by removing unnecessary complexity. It is important to note that 简化 does not imply a degradation of quality but rather an improvement in usability. In the context of Chinese writing, 简化字 refers to the simplified characters used in Mainland China, as opposed to 繁体字 (traditional characters).

At B2 level, 简化 appears frequently in administrative, technological, and educational contexts where efficiency and accessibility are prioritized.

Memory Hook

简 means simple and 化 means to transform -- 简化 is to transform something into its simpler form, like trimming a dense forest into a clear, navigable path.