簡単

• Reading: かんたん
• Romaji: kantan
• Kanji breakdown: 簡 (kan) — simplicity, brevity; 単 (tan) — single, simple
• Pronunciation: /kaɴ.taɴ/

Meaning

Simple; easy; uncomplicated. Describes tasks, concepts, or items that require little effort to understand or do.

A na-adjective that also functions as a noun. Takes な before nouns (簡単な料理 = simple cooking) and に before verbs (簡単に説明する = to explain simply). Very frequently used in daily conversation. The opposite is 複雑 (fukuzatsu, complicated) or 難しい (muzukashii, difficult).

Examples

1. この料理は簡単に作れますよ。 You can make this dish easily.
2. 日本語の文法は簡単ではありません。 Japanese grammar is not simple.
3. 簡単な質問をしてもいいですか。 May I ask a simple question?

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, study, cooking

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 簡 (kan, simple/brief) and 単 (tan, single/simple). Both kanji express simplicity — together they emphasise straightforwardness and ease.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal