1.
simple, uncomplicated
Not complex; having few parts or elements; easy to understand.
単純な問題だ。
It's a simple problem.
話を単純にすると、こういうことだ。
To put it simply, this is what it means.
単純な作業だから、誰にでもできる。
It's a simple task, so anyone can do it.
2.
simple-minded, naive
Lacking depth of thought; easily fooled or led (sometimes pejorative).
彼は単純だから、すぐ信じる。
He's simple-minded, so he believes things easily.
単純に褒められて喜んでいる。
He's simple-mindedly happy about being praised.
単純に = naively, simple-mindedly
そんなに単純に考えないほうがいい。
You shouldn't think about it so simplistically.
GRAMMAR:
- 単純な + noun: simple (noun)
- 単純に: simply (adverb)
NUANCE:
- Sense 1 is neutral/positive: uncomplicated, straightforward
- Sense 2 can be negative: naive, gullible
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 単純: Simple (structure/complexity)
- 簡単: Easy, simple (difficulty level)
- 素朴: Simple, naive (innocent quality)
ANTONYM:
- 複雑: Complex, complicated