nounnounadjective

el simple

simple

Que no es complicado y se entiende o se hace fácilmente.

Definition & meaning

The word simple in Spanish is an adjective that carries several meanings depending on the context:

Lacking complexity: It refers to something that is easy to understand, perform, or use. It describes tasks or concepts that are not complicated.
Plain or modest: It describes a person or object that lacks ornamentation, luxury, or ostentation. In this sense, it focuses on naturalness and humility.
Single or individual: It denotes something that consists of only one element or part, as opposed to being double, triple, or compound.
Naïve or foolish: When used to describe a person's character, it can sometimes imply that they are overly credulous, silly, or lack malice and depth.
Basic or elementary: It refers to the most fundamental or primary components of a system or idea.

Grammar & Word origin

Grammar: The word is an adjective. In Spanish, "simple" is a gender-neutral adjective (adjetivo invariable), meaning the form remains the same for both masculine and feminine nouns (e.g., el camino simple, la tarea simple). Its plural form is simples.

Word origin: It originates from the Latin word simplus, which means "single" or "not folded." It is related to the root sem- (one) and is a cognate of the English word "simple."