とても簡単

The word 'とても' (totemo) is an adverb meaning 'very' or 'extremely'. It is an emphatic form of 'と' (to), which can indicate a manner or state. The word '簡単' (kantan) is a na-adjective and a noun meaning 'simple', 'easy', or 'brief'. It is composed of two kanji: '簡' (kan), meaning 'simple', 'brief', or 'unadorned', and '単' (tan), meaning 'single', 'simple', or 'unit'. Both kanji have roots in ancient Chinese. The combination of these two words creates a phrase that strongly emphasizes the simplicity or ease of something. The usage of 'とても' to modify adjectives and adverbs became common in the Edo period (1603-1868) and has been a standard part of the Japanese language ever since. The word '簡単' itself has been in use in Japanese for centuries, primarily in written contexts, and gradually became more prevalent in spoken language as well. The phrase 'とても簡単' effectively conveys a high degree of simplicity or effortlessness, making it a commonly used expression in modern Japanese.