Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Easy" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "easy", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
簡単
かんたん (kantan)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
容易
ようい (yōi)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "easy" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 簡単 and 容易.
In Japanese, 簡単 (かんたん (kantan)) is typically associated with "easy, simple" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents An な-adjective. Used to describe something that is not difficult or complicated to do or understand..
On the other hand, 容易 (ようい (yōi)) maps to "easy, simple, light (na-adjective)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents 物事を行うのが簡単であること、または困難なく進められる状態を表します。「簡単」や「やさしい」よりもやや硬い表現で、書き言葉やフォーマルな文脈で使われることが多いです。. A literal translation of "easy" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "簡単"
この漢字は簡単なので、すぐに書けます。
This kanji is easy, so I can write it quickly.
Bilingual Context for "容易"
この問題は私にとって非常に容易です。
This problem is very easy for me.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "この漢字は ＿＿＿ なので、すぐに書けます。" (Meaning: "This kanji is easy, so I can write it quickly.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "簡単" fits here because it means "easy, simple" in the context of: "This kanji is easy, so I can write it quickly.". "容易" represents "easy, simple, light (na-adjective)".