Meaning
Statement indicating something is not difficult.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Kantan' is often paired with 'Benri' (convenient) in marketing. Japanese consumers value products that simplify their complex lives. When asked to do something, saying 'Kantan desu' might sound like you are underestimating the work. It's safer to say 'Suguni dekimasu' (I can do it immediately). Students often use 'Kantan' to brag or express relief, but teachers might discourage it to ensure students don't become overconfident. Simplicity is a core tenet of Zen and traditional arts. While 'Kantan' is used for tasks, 'Simple' in art is often called 'Sappari' or 'Wabi-sabi'.
The 'Ni' Trick
Use '{簡単|かんたん}に' before any verb to sound like you're an expert at it!
Person Trap
Never call your date '{簡単|かんたん}な{人|ひと}'. It won't end well.
Meaning
Statement indicating something is not difficult.
The 'Ni' Trick
Use '{簡単|かんたん}に' before any verb to sound like you're an expert at it!
Person Trap
Never call your date '{簡単|かんたん}な{人|ひと}'. It won't end well.
Summarizing
Start your sentences with '{簡単|かんたん}に{言|い}うと...' to buy time while you think of a summary.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of {簡単|かんたん}.
これはとても（ ）な{料理|りょうり}です。
When modifying a noun like {料理|りょうり}, you must use the 'na' form.
Which sentence is the most natural way to ask for a brief explanation?
Choose the correct sentence:
You can use '{簡単|かんたん}な' to describe the explanation (noun) or '{簡単|かんたん}に' to describe the act of explaining (verb).
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You found the exam very easy.
{簡単|かんたん} is the standard word for 'easy' in an academic context.
Complete the dialogue.
A: この{本|ほん}、{読|よ}めるかな？ B: うん、（ ）だよ。
In casual speech, you can end the sentence with just the adjective.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use {簡単|かんたん}
Tasks
- • Homework
- • Cooking
- • Cleaning
Communication
- • Brief intro
- • Short email
- • Simple explanation
Design
- • Simple UI
- • Basic tools
- • Minimalist room
Practice Bank
4 exercisesこれはとても（ ）な{料理|りょうり}です。
When modifying a noun like {料理|りょうり}, you must use the 'na' form.
Choose the correct sentence:
You can use '{簡単|かんたん}な' to describe the explanation (noun) or '{簡単|かんたん}に' to describe the act of explaining (verb).
Situation: You found the exam very easy.
{簡単|かんたん} is the standard word for 'easy' in an academic context.
A: この{本|ほん}、{読|よ}めるかな？ B: うん、（ ）だよ。
In casual speech, you can end the sentence with just the adjective.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIn daily conversation, {簡単|かんたん} is very common for 'simple.' {易|やさ}しい is often used in textbooks and for 'easy' levels.
No, it's usually rude. Use {優|やさ}しい (kind) or {話|はな}しやすい (easy to talk to).
The most common opposite is {難|むずか}しい (difficult) or {複雑|ふくざつ} (complex).
Use the phrase '{簡単|かんたん}に{言|い}うと' (Kantan ni iu to).
It is a na-adjective. You say '{簡単|かんたん}な', not '{簡単|かんたん}い'.
Yes, '{簡単|かんたん}な{説明|せつめい}' means a brief explanation.
No, but a 'simple' meal might be cheap. Use '{安|やす}い' for price.
Yes, but use it politely (desu/masu). For very formal documents, use {容易|ようい}.
{簡単|かんたん} is 'easy to do,' while {単純|たんじゅん} is 'simple in structure/logic.'
Yes, that is the casual/plain form of '{簡単|かんたん}です'.
Related Phrases
{易|やさ}しい
synonymEasy
{楽|らく}な
similarComfortable / Easy
{容易|ようい}な
specialized formEasy / Simple
{複雑|ふくざつ}な
contrastComplex / Complicated
{単純|たんじゅん}な
similarSimple / Naive
