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
楽
らく (raku)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "easy" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 簡単 and 楽.
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, 楽 (らく (raku)) maps to "easy; comfortable; fun" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Can describe something being 'easy'. 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 "楽"
この仕事はあまり大変じゃないから楽です。
This job isn't very hard, so it's 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.". "楽" represents "easy; comfortable; fun".