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sencillo means simple — a common term in Essential Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: September 13, 2025

📘 Essential Spanish

sencillo

adjective • /[sen-SEE-yoh]/

simple

Example:

Prefiero un diseño sencillo y claro.

I prefer a simple and clear design.

🧠 What does sencillo mean?

The Spanish word 'sencillo' means 'simple' or 'easy'. It describes something that's not complicated or difficult to understand. It can also refer to something plain, basic, or unpretentious. Depending on the context, it can also mean single (as opposed to double or multiple), like a 'sencillo' train ticket or a 'habitación sencilla' (single room).

📚 Extra examples

  • La receta es muy sencilla.
    The recipe is very simple.
  • Es un chico sencillo y amable.
    He's a simple and kind guy.
  • Prefiero un estilo sencillo.
    I prefer a simple style.
  • Quiero un billete sencillo, por favor.
    I'd like a one-way ticket, please.
  • Resolvió el problema de una manera sencilla.
    He solved the problem in a simple way.

💡 Did You Know?

In music, a 'sencillo' refers to a single, demonstrating the word's versatility.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "sencillo"

Synonyms: fácil, simple, básico, llano
Opposites: complicado, difícil, complejo

🔍 See more essential spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'simple' in Spanish?
The most common way to say 'simple' in Spanish is 'sencillo'.
How do you pronounce 'sencillo' in Spanish?
It's pronounced sen-thee-yo, with the 'c' sounding like a 'th' in 'think'.
How do you use 'sencillo' in a sentence?
You can use 'sencillo' just like you would use 'simple' in English: 'Es un problema sencillo' (It's a simple problem), or 'Ella tiene un estilo sencillo' (She has a simple style).
What is the English translation of 'sencillo'?
The English translation of 'sencillo' is 'simple', 'easy', 'single', or 'plain'.
Does 'sencillo' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'sencillo' changes for both gender and number. For feminine nouns, use 'sencilla', and for plural nouns, use 'sencillos' (masculine) or 'sencillas' (feminine).
Is 'sencillo' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'sencillo' is a very common word used in everyday Spanish.
Does 'sencillo' have slang or double meanings?
While generally straightforward, in some Latin American countries, 'sencillo' can informally refer to a single monetary bill of low denomination.
Is 'sencillo' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The core meaning remains the same, but as mentioned, the slang usage related to money is more common in Latin America.

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