Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Easy" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "easy", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
楽な
らくな (raku na)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
手軽
てがる (tegaru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "easy" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 楽な and 手軽.
In Japanese, 楽な (らくな (raku na)) is typically associated with "easy; comfortable; relaxed" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents A な-adjective used to describe something that is not difficult.
On the other hand, 手軽 (てがる (tegaru)) maps to "easy; simple; light; casual; handy" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often used as an な-adjective. A literal translation of "easy" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "楽な"
この椅子は座り心地が楽だ。
This chair is comfortable to sit in.
Bilingual Context for "手軽"
手軽に作れるランチレシピを探している。
I'm looking for an easy-to-make lunch recipe.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "この椅子は座り心地が楽だ。" (Meaning: "This chair is comfortable to sit in.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "楽な" fits here because it means "easy; comfortable; relaxed" in the context of: "This chair is comfortable to sit in.". "手軽" represents "easy; simple; light; casual; handy".