Meet 簡 in words about simplicity and brevity. Learn each reading with its whole word.
The idea
簡 has 18 strokes; use the linked diagram for their order. 簡 is read かん in 簡単, 簡潔 and 簡略. 簡単な modifies a noun; 簡潔に and 簡略に modify an action.
Examples
- この問題は簡単です。This problem is easy.
- 簡単な料理を作りました。I made a simple dish.
- 説明を簡潔にまとめます。I will summarize the explanation concisely.
- 彼の答えは簡潔でした。His answer was concise.
- 手続きを簡略にしました。We simplified the procedure.
- 会議では報告を簡略に述べました。At the meeting, I gave a brief report.
Read-aloud uses a synthetic Japanese voice available on your device. Voice quality and availability vary; it does not assess your pronunciation.
No Japanese device voice is available. You can still read the text and use the linked listening resources.
Watch out
簡単 means easy or simple, whereas 簡潔 emphasizes concise expression and 簡略 suggests reducing detail. 間 has a similar interior but lacks the bamboo top of 簡.
Try it yourself
Write the reading of 簡単 in hiragana.
Show answer or example answer
かんたん
簡単 is かんたん: it can describe an easy problem or a simple dish.
Write the reading of 簡潔 in hiragana.
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かんけつ
簡潔 is かんけつ: it describes expression that is concise and clear.
Choose the missing kanji: ＿略（かんりゃく）［簡／間］.
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簡
簡 completes 簡略（かんりゃく）, meaning abbreviated or simplified; 間 alone is a different character.
Practice round
Answer questions, then rebuild Japanese sentences where available. We keep your score.
Write the reading of 簡単 in hiragana.
Write the reading of 簡潔 in hiragana.
Choose the missing kanji: ＿略（かんりゃく）［簡／間］.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Write 簡 using the diagram, then cover the readings and use 簡潔に in a sentence.