简 (jiǎn) - Simple & brief

简Tone 3

jiǎn ｜ 13 strokes ｜ radical:

嘉健

简 · jiǎn

Simple;

brief;

simplified;

uncomplicated;

also refers to bamboo slips used for writing in ancient times.

Simplebriefsimplified

Usage highlights

Simple and easyBrief introductionSimplified Chinese charactersConcise and comprehensiveLetterBamboo slip

Synonyms

  • 单— single; simple
  • 易— easy
  • 略— brief; sketchy

Antonyms

  • 繁— complicated; numerous
  • 杂— mixed; miscellaneous
  • 复— complex; duplicate

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • This is a simple task (简单的任务).
  • Please write a brief summary (写一个简短的总结).
  • He uses simplified Chinese characters (简体字).
  • The teacher gave a concise explanation (简明的解释).

Collocations

  • Simple and easy(简单)
  • Brief introduction(简介)
  • Simplified Chinese characters(简体字)
  • Concise and comprehensive(简明扼要)
  • Letter(书信)
  • Bamboo slip(竹简)

Idioms

  • To simplify the complex(化繁为简)
  • Simple and unadorned(朴素简洁)
  • To cut out the superfluous(删繁就简)
  • Brief and to the point(言简意赅)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally referred to bamboo slips used for writing before the invention of paper.
  • The character embodies a traditional Chinese aesthetic value of simplicity and elegance.
  • Gained modern significance with the Chinese character simplification movement in the 20th century.

FAQ