シンプル

しんぷる

na-adjective

simple

descriptive

1. simple, plain, uncomplicated

Describes something that is not complex or elaborate; clean and straightforward in design or approach.

シンプルなデザインが好(す)きだ。

I like simple designs.

操作(そうさ)がシンプルで使(つか)いやすい。

The operation is simple and easy to use.

シンプルに考(かんが)えたほうがうまくいくことが多(おお)い。

Things often go better if you think about them simply.

Forms

Attributive: シンプルな + noun
Predicate: シンプルだ / シンプルです
Adverbial: シンプルに

Common collocations

シンプルなデザイン: simple design
シンプルな暮(く)らし: simple lifestyle
シンプルな操作(そうさ): simple operation
シンプル・イズ・ベスト: "simple is best" (common expression in Japanese)

Usage

シンプル is generally used positively to describe clean, elegant simplicity. It differs from 単純(たんじゅん), which can carry a negative nuance of being overly simplistic or naive.

Similar words

単純(たんじゅん): simple (can be negative — simplistic, naive)
簡素(かんそ): simple, plain (more formal, often used for decor or ceremonies)
素朴(そぼく): simple, unaffected (emphasizes naturalness)

Related Words

Compare: 単純(たんじゅん) (simple (can be negative))

Synonym: 簡素(かんそ) (plain, austere)

Compare: 素朴(そぼく) (simple, unaffected)

general

Added 2026.2.12 4:10 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

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