Use '简明' to describe content that is efficiently short yet perfectly clear.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Brief and clear communication style.
- Combines brevity with high clarity and understanding.
- Commonly used in professional and academic writing.
Overview
- 1概述：‘简明’是一个合成词，由‘简’（简单、精炼）和‘明’（明了、清晰）组成。在现代汉语中，它主要用于形容信息传递的效率，即用最少的文字或语言表达出最完整、最清晰的意思。2) 使用习惯：该词常作为定语修饰名词，如‘简明的语言’、‘简明的教程’；也可以作为谓语，如‘他的叙述非常简明’。3) 常见语境：多见于正式场合，如商务报告、法律条文、学术论文的摘要，以及技术手册。在这些语境下，‘简明’被视为一种专业素养。4) 近义词辨析：‘简明’与‘简洁’相似，但‘简洁’更侧重于文笔的干净利落，不带多余修饰；而‘简明’更强调‘明’，即容易让人理解。与‘简单’相比，‘简明’不代表内容浅显，而是指表达方式的高效。
Examples
他的说明非常简明，我一下就听懂了。
everydayHis explanation was very concise and clear; I understood it immediately.
请提交一份简明的项目摘要。
formalPlease submit a concise project summary.
这篇文章的风格简明扼要。
informalThe style of this article is brief and to the point.
本教材旨在提供一个简明的物理学综述。
academicThis textbook aims to provide a concise overview of physics.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
简明扼要
concise and to the point
简明教程
concise tutorial
Often Confused With
Simple implies something is not complex or difficult, while concise (简明) implies it is efficiently stated without losing clarity.
Shabby or crude; usually refers to physical conditions or facilities being poor and basic, which is a negative trait.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word is neutral to formal in register. It is most frequently used in written Chinese or formal speeches to praise the efficiency of communication. It is rarely used in very casual, slang-heavy conversations.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using '简明' to describe a person's lifestyle (use '简约') or a simple task (use '简单'). It should strictly be applied to information, logic, or expression.
Tips
Focus on the 'Clear' Aspect
When using '简明', remember it's not just about being short; the '明' (clear) part is equally important for the listener.
Avoid Using for Physical Objects
Do not use '简明' to describe a simple room or a simple tool; use '简单' or '简约' instead.
The Virtue of Brevity
In Chinese culture, the idiom '言简意赅' (concise speech with profound meaning) is highly respected, and '简明' is its modern adjective equivalent.
Word Origin
'简' originally referred to the bamboo slips used for writing in ancient China. Because slips were heavy, writers had to be brief. '明' means clarity.
Cultural Context
In the fast-paced modern Chinese professional world, being '简明' is a highly valued trait, reflecting respect for others' time.
Memory Tip
Think of the characters: '简' (Bamboo slips, which had limited space) + '明' (The sun and moon together, meaning bright/clear).
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions‘简单’侧重于内容不复杂或容易做，而‘简明’侧重于表达方式精炼且意思清晰，通常用于形容语言或文字。
通常不直接形容人的性格，但可以形容一个人的说话方式或办事风格，例如‘他说话很简明’。
简明的表达可以节省读者的阅读时间，减少沟通成本，并避免因冗长而产生的歧义。
是的，它通常是一个褒义词，代表了高效率和逻辑清晰的表达能力。
Test Yourself
为了方便用户，这本操作指南写得非常___。
‘简明’最适合形容指南或手册，表示既简单又清晰。
描述一个逻辑清晰且字数不多的报告：
‘简明’正是形容逻辑清晰且精炼的报告。
语言 / 简明的 / 他 / 解释 / 道理 / 用 / 复杂的
这是标准的‘主语+状语+谓语+宾语’结构。
Score: /3
Summary
Use '简明' to describe content that is efficiently short yet perfectly clear.
- Brief and clear communication style.
- Combines brevity with high clarity and understanding.
- Commonly used in professional and academic writing.
Focus on the 'Clear' Aspect
When using '简明', remember it's not just about being short; the '明' (clear) part is equally important for the listener.
Avoid Using for Physical Objects
Do not use '简明' to describe a simple room or a simple tool; use '简单' or '简约' instead.
The Virtue of Brevity
In Chinese culture, the idiom '言简意赅' (concise speech with profound meaning) is highly respected, and '简明' is its modern adjective equivalent.
Examples
4 of 4他的说明非常简明，我一下就听懂了。
His explanation was very concise and clear; I understood it immediately.
请提交一份简明的项目摘要。
Please submit a concise project summary.
这篇文章的风格简明扼要。
The style of this article is brief and to the point.
本教材旨在提供一个简明的物理学综述。
This textbook aims to provide a concise overview of physics.
Related Content
Related Vocabulary
More work words
充裕的
B2Abundant, ample, or sufficient in quantity.
事故
A2accident; mishap
依照
A2According to; in accordance with.
准确地
A2accurately, precisely
做到
A2to achieve; to accomplish
积极地
A2actively; enthusiastically
应变
B2Adaptive; capable of dealing with emergencies.
行政
A2Administration; the management of affairs.
过后
A2Afterwards; at a later or subsequent time.
赞同
A2To approve of, to endorse; to agree with or support.
