Synonym Comparison
The Nuance Difference: "精密" vs "簡素"
Master the exact conceptual boundary between these Japanese terms.
Japanese Term A
精密
せいみつ (seimitsu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Term B
簡素
かんそ (kanso)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
In Japanese, both 精密 and 簡素 are often translated to English but have distinct usages.
精密 (せいみつ (seimitsu)) represents "precise, elaborate, minute, accurate" (Level: N2) and typically represents Refers to something made or done with great detail and accuracy, often used for machines, measurements, or plans. Used as a na-adjective..
On the other hand, 簡素 (かんそ (kanso)) translates to "simple, plain, modest (in style)" (Level: N2) and is used for Describes something that is simple in design, structure, or function, often implying a lack of unnecessary ornamentation or complexity. Similar to 質素 but often focuses on design/structure.. Mixing these up can sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers!
Bilingual Sentence for "精密"
精密な機械を作るには高い技術が必要です。
High skill is required to build precise machines.
Bilingual Sentence for "簡素"
彼女の部屋はとても簡素だが、居心地が良い。
Her room is very simple, but comfortable.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: " ＿＿＿ な機械を作るには高い技術が必要です。" (Meaning: "High skill is required to build precise machines.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "精密" fits here because it represents "precise, elaborate, minute, accurate" in the context: "High skill is required to build precise machines.".