Meaning of 简单
Definitions from CC-CEDICT.
- simple; not complicated
How to use 简单
简单 is a very common adjective for things that are easy or not complicated, such as questions, food, or plans. It can also mean someone is simple-minded or straightforward, depending on context. Example: 这个问题很简单。(Zhège wèntí hěn jiǎndān.) This question is very simple.
简 (jiǎn) has the bamboo top ⺮, like the bamboo strips once used for writing, and 单 (dān) means single, as in 名单 (míngdān) list of names. Picture a single bamboo strip with one short note on it: that is simple.
Common mistake: Learners often write 间 (jiān) instead of 简 because they sound alike, but 简 needs the bamboo radical ⺮ on top. Also remember the tones: third tone then first tone, jiǎndān, not jiāndān.
简单 in example sentences
Real sentences from the Tatoeba project, with pinyin and English.
Stroke order for each character
Open a character for its meaning, components and more words.
简 jiǎn · simple · 13 strokes
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单 dān · bill · 8 strokes
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Related words
Words that share a character with 简单.
| 名单 | míngdān | list of names |
| 单位 | dānwèi | unit (of measure); unit (group of people as a whole) |
| 菜单 | càidān | menu |
| 简直 | jiǎnzhí | simply; really |
| 单元 | dānyuán | unit (forming an entity); element |
| 单独 | dāndú | alone; by oneself |
| 单纯 | dānchún | simple; pure |
| 简历 | jiǎnlì | curriculum vitae (CV); résumé |
| 单调 | dāndiào | monotonous |
| 单一 | dānyī | single; only |
| 简介 | jiǎnjiè | summary; brief introduction |
| 单打 | dāndǎ | singles (in sports) |
Questions about 简单
What does 简单 mean?
简单 (jiǎndān) means "simple; not complicated" and is used as a adjective.
How do you write 简单?
简单 is made of 2 characters: 简 (13 strokes), 单 (8 strokes). That is 21 strokes in total.
Is 简单 an HSK word?
Yes. 简单 is on the HSK 3 vocabulary list of the HSK 3.0 standard.
How is 简单 written in traditional Chinese?
In traditional characters, 简单 is written 簡單.
What is the difference between 简单 and 容易?
简单 means simple or not complicated, describing how something is structured. 容易 (róngyì) means easy to do. They often overlap, but 容易 can be followed by a verb, as in 容易学 (róngyì xué) easy to learn, while 简单 usually describes the thing itself.
Can 简单 be used as an adverb?
Yes. With 地 it describes how something is done, as in 简单地说 (jiǎndān de shuō) to put it simply. You will also hear 简单说 without 地 in casual speech.