Japanese word

簡素

Pronunciation

Romajikanso

Meaning

  • na-adjectivesimple

Example

私の部屋は簡素な作りです。watashi no heya wa kan so na tsuku ri de su

My room has a simple design.

Illustration for 簡素 (simple)

More examples

式典では、会場を簡素に飾り、余った費用を寄付しました。shiki ten de wa kai jō o kan so ni kaza ri ama tta hi yō o ki fu shi ma shi ta

At the ceremony, we decorated the venue simply and donated the money we saved.

Core concept

Refers to a simple and modest state in which unnecessary features or decoration are left out.

Common phrases

  • 簡素な生活kan so na sei katsu

    simple lifestyle

  • 簡素な食事kan so na shoku ji

    simple meal

  • 簡素な服装kan so na fuku sō

    simple clothing

Similar words

質素shisso: Describes a simple way of living or a place with few luxuries and little decoration.
地味jimi: Describes colors, clothes, or designs that are subdued and do not attract attention.
素朴soboku: Describes a quality that is natural and uncomplicated rather than polished or elaborate.

Definition in Japanese

必要なものだけで成り立ち、華美なところがないさま。hitsu yō na mo no da ke de na ri ta chi ka bi na to ko ro ga na i sa ma

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese word 簡素 (kanso) uses 簡 (kan, "simple") with 素 (so, "plain"), forming a word for something plain and free from excess.

Usage tips

  • When 簡素 (kanso) describes a building or room, it focuses on plain design, whereas modest often focuses on limited size or status.

Other meanings

  • modestna-adjective

Opposites

Related words

  • 簡素化kansokasimplificationnoun
  • 簡素さkansosasimplicitynoun

Word lists with this word