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
易しい
やさしい (yasashii)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "easy" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 簡単 and 易しい.
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, 易しい (やさしい (yasashii)) maps to "easy, simple" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents An i-adjective. In the context of difficulty, it means 'simple' or 'not difficult.' Note that '優しい'. 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 "易しい"
この問題はとても易しいです。
This problem is very easy.
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.". "易しい" represents "easy, simple".