シンプル

しんぷる
adjective (na)
simple
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()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(かんが)えたほうがうまくいくことが(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()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)