Attach to the verb stem to describe ease of action or high probability of occurrence.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to express that an action is easy to perform.
- Indicates a strong tendency for something to happen.
- Attached to the stem of a verb.
Overview
- 1概要：～やすいは、ある動作がスムーズに行えることや、ある状態が発生する傾向が高いことを示す表現です。動詞の連用形（ます形からますを取った形）に接続することで、その動詞の意味に「容易さ」や「傾向」を付加します。2) 接続：動詞のます形から「ます」を除いた形に直接つなげます。例：食べる→食べやすい、書く→書きやすい。3) 共通の文脈：日常会話で非常に頻繁に使われます。道具の使い勝手、人の性格、天候や病気のなりやすさなど、幅広いシチュエーションで活用されます。4) 類似表現との比較：「～やすい」は「～のが簡単だ」という客観的な評価に近いですが、「～がち」は「そうなりやすい」という否定的な傾向や頻度を強調する際に使われます。また、「～可能だ」は能力的な可否を指すのに対し、「～やすい」は主観的なやりやすさや発生頻度を指す点が異なります。
Examples
この本は読みやすいです。
everydayThis book is easy to read.
この製品は操作しやすくなっております。
formalThis product has been made easier to operate.
あそこは迷いやすいから気をつけて。
informalBe careful, it's easy to get lost there.
この地域は地震が起こりやすい。
academicThis area is prone to earthquakes.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
話しやすい人
easy person to talk to
忘れやすい
forgetful
太りやすい
prone to gaining weight
Often Confused With
This is the direct opposite, meaning 'difficult to' or 'unlikely to'. Use it when something is hard to do or resistant to change.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use this suffix to describe the nature of an object or a person's tendency. It functions exactly like an 'i-adjective' in grammar. It is neutral in register and suitable for both speech and writing.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often forget to remove the 'masu' from the verb. For example, saying 'tabemasuyasui' is incorrect; it should be 'tabeyasui'. Also, do not confuse it with 'kantan' (simple), as 'yasui' focuses on the ease of the action itself.
Tips
Think of it as 'easy to...'
Treat it as a suffix that turns a verb into an adjective. It makes your Japanese sound much more natural than using 'kantan'.
Don't confuse with noun phrases
Ensure you drop the 'masu' from the verb stem. Do not add 'no' or 'koto' before 'yasui'.
Politeness and nuance
Japanese speakers often use this to soften complaints about products. Saying 'this is hard to use' directly is often avoided in favor of 'this is not easy to use'.
Word Origin
Derived from the classical Japanese adjective 'yasushi' (easy/peaceful). It evolved into a suffix used to describe the ease of performing actions.
Cultural Context
In Japanese culture, using 'yasui' is a polite way to provide feedback. It is preferred over saying something is 'bad' or 'impossible' directly.
Memory Tip
Think of 'yasu' as 'easy'. If you can 'yasu-ly' do it, it is 'yasui'.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions基本的に意志動詞、無意志動詞の両方に接続できます。ただし、状態動詞など意味的に「やりやすさ」を表現できないものには接続しない場合があります。
「～にくい」です。動作が困難であることや、起こりにくいことを表します。
はい、文法上は「い形容詞」として扱われます。したがって、否定形は「～やすくない」、過去形は「～やすかった」と変化します。
意味は似ていますが、「書きやすい」は一語として自然な評価を表し、「書くのが簡単だ」は文として説明的に述べる表現です。
Test Yourself
このペンはとても___（書く）。
動詞のます形（書き）に接続します。
「この服は汚れやすい。」はどういう意味ですか？
「～やすい」は傾向を表すこともあります。
（使い / この / やすい / は / カメラ）
主語＋は＋形容詞の語順です。
Score: /3
Summary
Attach to the verb stem to describe ease of action or high probability of occurrence.
- Used to express that an action is easy to perform.
- Indicates a strong tendency for something to happen.
- Attached to the stem of a verb.
Think of it as 'easy to...'
Treat it as a suffix that turns a verb into an adjective. It makes your Japanese sound much more natural than using 'kantan'.
Don't confuse with noun phrases
Ensure you drop the 'masu' from the verb stem. Do not add 'no' or 'koto' before 'yasui'.
Politeness and nuance
Japanese speakers often use this to soften complaints about products. Saying 'this is hard to use' directly is often avoided in favor of 'this is not easy to use'.
Examples
4 of 4この本は読みやすいです。
This book is easy to read.
この製品は操作しやすくなっております。
This product has been made easier to operate.
あそこは迷いやすいから気をつけて。
Be careful, it's easy to get lost there.
この地域は地震が起こりやすい。
This area is prone to earthquakes.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More general words
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
ごろ
A2About, approximately (time).
うえ
A2At a higher position than.
絶対
B1Absolutely; definitely; never.
絶対に
B1Absolutely; definitely.
