1.
easy-going; taking the easy way out
Approaching things in a lazy or overly simplistic manner, without proper consideration or effort. Often has a negative connotation.
安易な考えは危険だ。
Simplistic thinking is dangerous.
安易に答えを出すべきではない。
You shouldn't come to a conclusion too easily.
安易な道を選んではいけない。
You shouldn't take the easy way out.
2.
easy; simple
Something that can be done without difficulty (less common, more neutral usage).
安易にできる仕事ではない。
It's not a job that can be done easily.
安易に手に入るものではないので、大切にしてください。
It's not something easily obtained, so please take care of it.
この資格は安易に取れるものではなく、何年もかけて勉強する必要がある。
This qualification is not something you can easily obtain; it requires years of study.
USAGE: Often used critically to describe someone who takes shortcuts or doesn't think carefully.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 安易な考え (simplistic thinking)
- 安易な方法 (the easy way)
- 安易に + verb (too easily, without proper thought)
NUANCE: Usually implies criticism - that something was done too casually or without sufficient care.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 簡単 - easy, simple (neutral)
- 楽 - easy, comfortable (neutral/positive)
- 軽率 - careless, rash (negative)
Related Words
Contrast:
簡単 (easy (neutral))