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Synonym Nuance VS

How to say "Simple" in Japanese

Both words can translate to "simple", but which should you choose?

Japanese Option A

簡略

かんりゃく (kanryaku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B

粗飯

そはん (sohan)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus

Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference

When translating "simple" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 簡略 and 粗飯. In Japanese, 簡略 (かんりゃく (kanryaku)) is typically associated with "simple; simplified; brief" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Describes something made simpler by omitting details or steps, often for efficiency or convenience. Similar to 簡潔 but more about simplification of a process, procedure, or form rather than style of expression. Often used as a な-adjective. On the other hand, 粗飯 (そはん (sohan)) maps to "simple meal; plain meal; humble meal; poor meal" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Often refers to a very simple, unpretentious meal, sometimes implying poverty or a lack of luxury. It can also be used self-deprecatingly when offering food, as in 「粗飯ではございますが」. A literal translation of "simple" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "簡略"
手続きを簡略化することで、時間が大幅に短縮された。
By simplifying the procedures, the time was significantly reduced.
Bilingual Context for "粗飯"
粗飯ではございますが、どうぞお召し上がりください。
It's just a humble meal, but please help yourself.

Nuance Mastery Quiz

Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?

Fill in the blank: "手続きを ___ 化することで、時間が大幅に短縮された。" (Meaning: "By simplifying the procedures, the time was significantly reduced.")
🎉 Correct Answer!

Remember: "簡略" fits here because it means "simple; simplified; brief" in the context of: "By simplifying the procedures, the time was significantly reduced.". "粗飯" represents "simple meal; plain meal; humble meal; poor meal".

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