簡単な質問
ja phrase 01647
easy question
Literally: 簡単 (Easy/Simple) + な (Adjective connector) + 質問 (Question)
In 15 Seconds
- A polite way to ask a quick, low-effort question.
- Uses the 'na-adjective' easy (kantan) to describe a question (shitsumon).
- Reduces the social burden on the person being asked.
Meaning
This phrase is your go-to for asking a quick, low-pressure question that won't take much time to answer. It is like saying 'I have a quick one for you' to make the listener feel at ease.
Key Examples
3 of 6Asking a colleague in the office
すみません、簡単な質問があります。
Excuse me, I have an easy question.
Texting a friend about dinner
簡単な質問！今日の店、どこだっけ？
Easy question! Which restaurant was it today again?
In a formal classroom setting
先生、簡単な質問を一つよろしいでしょうか。
Professor, may I ask one simple question?
Cultural Background
The phrase is part of 'Kushizashi' (skewering) communication, where you provide a small 'cushion' before delivering the main point to avoid being too direct. In Japanese companies, using this phrase shows you are aware of 'Time is Money' and that you won't waste the other person's resources. Students use this to avoid sounding like they are challenging the teacher's authority; it frames the question as a simple request for clarification. On platforms like Twitter or HelloTalk, users often start posts with this phrase to encourage quick replies from the community.
The 'Ga' Softener
Always add 'ga' or 'desu ga' after the phrase to sound more natural and polite when opening a conversation.
Don't Overuse
If you say 'simple question' before every single sentence, it can become annoying. Use it only when you are actually interrupting or starting a new topic.
In 15 Seconds
- A polite way to ask a quick, low-effort question.
- Uses the 'na-adjective' easy (kantan) to describe a question (shitsumon).
- Reduces the social burden on the person being asked.
What It Means
簡単な質問 is a simple way to frame a query. It tells the listener that you aren't about to drop a massive, life-altering problem on them. You are just looking for a quick fact or a simple clarification. It is the verbal equivalent of a 'quick tap' on the shoulder.
How To Use It
You usually pair this with a verb like あります (there is) or いいですか (is it okay?). For example, 簡単な質問があります (I have an easy question). It is very flexible. You can use it at the start of a conversation to set the mood. It works perfectly when you just need to know the time or a location.
When To Use It
Use it when you are at a train station asking for directions. Use it in a meeting when you missed a small detail. It is great for texting a friend to ask what time the movie starts. It helps lower the 'burden' on the person you are asking. Everyone likes an easy task, right? It makes people more willing to help you quickly.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this if the question is actually very difficult. If you ask 'What is the meaning of life?' and call it a 簡単な質問, people will think you are joking or very strange. Avoid it if you are asking for a huge favor. Don't use it if you are in a very high-stakes, serious negotiation where every word is heavy. It might sound too lighthearted there.
Cultural Background
Japanese culture places a high value on not being a 'nuisance' or meiwaku. By labeling your question as 'easy,' you are being polite. You are signaling that you won't take up much of their precious time. It is a subtle way to show respect for the other person's schedule. It is a very 'socially lubricated' way to communicate.
Common Variations
You might hear ちょっとした質問 (chotto shita shitsumon), which means 'a small question.' Another one is 単純な質問 (tanjun na shitsumon), which means 'a simple/straightforward question.' If you want to be extra casual with friends, you can just say 簡単な質問いい？ (Easy question okay?). Each variation keeps the vibe light and breezy.
Usage Notes
This phrase is incredibly safe. It fits in almost any social situation. Just remember that 'kantan' is a na-adjective, so never forget the 'na' when placing it before 'shitsumon'.
The 'Ga' Softener
Always add 'ga' or 'desu ga' after the phrase to sound more natural and polite when opening a conversation.
Don't Overuse
If you say 'simple question' before every single sentence, it can become annoying. Use it only when you are actually interrupting or starting a new topic.
Body Language
A slight head tilt or a small wave of the hand while saying this makes you look much more like a native speaker.
Humility
Remember that calling your own question 'simple' is a form of humility in Japan.
Examples
6すみません、簡単な質問があります。
Excuse me, I have an easy question.
A standard, polite way to interrupt a coworker for a quick fact.
簡単な質問！今日の店、どこだっけ？
Easy question! Which restaurant was it today again?
Very casual and direct for friends.
先生、簡単な質問を一つよろしいでしょうか。
Professor, may I ask one simple question?
Uses 'yoroshii deshou ka' to make the 'easy question' very formal.
簡単な質問だけど、私のチョコ食べた？
Easy question, but did you eat my chocolate?
Using a formal-ish structure for a silly accusation.
簡単な質問ですが、駅はどちらですか？
It's a simple question, but which way is the station?
Softens the approach to a stranger.
これは簡単な質問じゃないね。
This isn't an easy question, is it?
Used when realizing a topic is much deeper than expected.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing particle to complete the phrase.
{簡単|かんたん} ( ) {質問|しつもん}があります。
{簡単|かんたん} is a na-adjective, so it needs 'na' to modify the noun {質問|しつもん}.
Which sentence is the most polite way to ask a quick question to your boss?
Choose the best option:
The '~te mo ii desu ka' form is a standard polite way to ask for permission.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Situation: You are stopping a stranger to ask for the time.
Asking for the time is a 'simple question' that doesn't take much effort from the stranger.
Complete the dialogue.
A: {すみません|すみません}、{一|ひと}つ{簡単|かんたん}な{質問|しつもん}をしてもいいですか？ B: ( )
'Hai, douzo' (Yes, go ahead) is the natural response to someone asking for permission to speak.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Kantan vs Yasashii
Practice Bank
4 exercises{簡単|かんたん} ( ) {質問|しつもん}があります。
{簡単|かんたん} is a na-adjective, so it needs 'na' to modify the noun {質問|しつもん}.
Choose the best option:
The '~te mo ii desu ka' form is a standard polite way to ask for permission.
Situation: You are stopping a stranger to ask for the time.
Asking for the time is a 'simple question' that doesn't take much effort from the stranger.
A: {すみません|すみません}、{一|ひと}つ{簡単|かんたん}な{質問|しつもん}をしてもいいですか？ B: ( )
'Hai, douzo' (Yes, go ahead) is the natural response to someone asking for permission to speak.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, it is very common and polite to use with teachers when you have a quick clarification.
'Kantan' is about simplicity/process; 'yasashii' is about difficulty/kindness. For a 'quick question,' 'kantan' is better.
Yes, it's a great way to start a short email inquiry.
Yes, if it's followed by 'shitsumon.' If you say 'This question is simple,' you say 'Kono shitsumon wa kantan desu.'
It's similar, but 'tanjun' implies 'straightforward' or 'not complex,' whereas 'kantan' is more general.
Yes, but 'shitsumon o suru' (to do a question) is more common than 'kiku' (to ask/hear) in this specific collocation.
You can just say 'Chotto kikitai!' to friends.
It is neutral. It can be made formal or informal depending on the verb that follows (e.g., 'arimasu' vs 'aru').
Then don't use this phrase! Use 'Muzukashii shitsumon desu ga...' instead.
Usually no, unless you ask something obviously impossible like 'How do we achieve world peace?'
Yes, it's one of the best ways to start a conversation with a stranger politely.
No, it is a na-adjective (adjectival noun).
Related Phrases
{易|やさ}しい{問題|もんだい}
similarAn easy problem/question
{ちょっと|ちょっと}{聞|き}きたいこと
synonymSomething I want to ask for a bit
{単純|たんじゅん}な{質問|しつもん}
similarA straightforward question
{難|むずか}しい{質問|しつもん}
contrastA difficult question
{手短|てみじか}な{質問|しつもん}
specialized formA brief question
{確認|かくにん}したいこと
builds onSomething I want to confirm
