Signification
Extremely simple to do.
Contexte culturel
In many Russian fairy tales, the 'Ivan the Fool' character often performs tasks that are 'проще простого' for him because of his kind heart or magical help, while the 'smart' brothers fail. The phrase is frequently used in Soviet-era comedies to highlight the ingenuity of the 'common man' against bureaucracy. Russian startups often use this phrase in their slogans to emphasize that their apps are intuitive for the older generation. Teachers in Russia might use this phrase to encourage students before an exam, though it can sometimes backfire if the exam is actually hard.
The 'V' Sound
Always remember to pronounce the 'g' in 'prostogo' as a 'v'. Saying it with a hard 'g' is a dead giveaway that you are a beginner.
Don't be Arrogant
If someone is struggling, avoid this phrase. It can sound like you are mocking their difficulty.
Signification
Extremely simple to do.
The 'V' Sound
Always remember to pronounce the 'g' in 'prostogo' as a 'v'. Saying it with a hard 'g' is a dead giveaway that you are a beginner.
Don't be Arrogant
If someone is struggling, avoid this phrase. It can sound like you are mocking their difficulty.
The Dash
In writing, you often see a dash before the phrase: 'Это — проще простого'. This represents the omitted verb 'is'.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
Выучить алфавит — ______ простого.
The idiom always uses the comparative form 'проще'.
Which of these is the correct Russian idiom for 'a piece of cake'?
Как сказать 'very easy' по-русски?
The full fixed phrase is 'Проще простого'.
Match the situation to the best response.
Your friend asks if you can help them open a jar of jam.
Opening a jar is a simple task where this idiom fits perfectly.
Fill in the missing line in the dialogue.
— Ты сможешь починить мой компьютер? — Конечно! Для меня это ______.
The idiom is used here to show confidence in a skill.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Idiom vs Literal
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesВыучить алфавит — ______ простого.
The idiom always uses the comparative form 'проще'.
Как сказать 'very easy' по-русски?
The full fixed phrase is 'Проще простого'.
Your friend asks if you can help them open a jar of jam.
Opening a jar is a simple task where this idiom fits perfectly.
— Ты сможешь починить мой компьютер? — Конечно! Для меня это ______.
The idiom is used here to show confidence in a skill.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsIt's better to use 'Это не составит труда' (This won't be a problem) in formal emails. 'Проще простого' is a bit too casual for a CEO.
It is always 'проще' (comparative). 'Просто простого' is grammatically incorrect.
No, it is a fixed idiom. You say 'Задача проще простого', not 'простая простого'.
'Легко' is the most common word, but 'Раз плюнуть' is the most common idiomatic synonym.
Yes, adding 'для меня' (for me) is very common to show personal ease.
Not at all! It is used every day by people of all ages in Russia.
It's a soft, long 'sh'. Hiss like a snake but keep your tongue near your teeth.
Because Russian comparative adjectives can take the genitive case to show what they are being compared to.
Yes, 'Изи' (Easy) is very popular among Russian youth and gamers.
No, it only describes tasks or actions. You can't say a person is 'проще простого'.
'Как дважды два' is for things that are obvious to understand, while 'проще простого' is for things that are easy to do.
Yes, many Russian pop songs use it to describe falling in love or solving problems.
Expressions liées
Проще пареной репы
synonymEasier than a steamed turnip
Раз плюнуть
synonymAs easy as spitting once
Как дважды два
similarLike two times two
Элементарно
synonymElementary
Пара пустяков
synonymA couple of trifles
Легче легкого
synonymLighter than light
