容易

ようい

easy, simple, plain

JLPT N3

Character Breakdown

Usage of 容易 (róngyì)

'容易' is an adjective meaning 'easy' or 'likely to happen.' It is commonly used to describe tasks, situations, or personal tendencies that are simple or prone to occur. For example, a problem can be '容易' if it is simple to solve, or a person can be '容易生气' if they get angry easily.

Common Collocations

Pragmatic Notes

When using '容易,' speakers often imply that the subject requires little effort or that a certain outcome is probable. It can carry a neutral or slightly cautionary tone when referring to negative tendencies (e.g., 容易 - prone to making mistakes).

Register and Tone

'容易' is neutral and widely used in both spoken and written Mandarin. It is appropriate in formal and informal contexts.

Common Confusion

Do not confuse '容易' with '简单' (jiǎndān), which also means 'simple' but focuses more on the lack of complexity rather than likelihood or tendency. '容易' often implies both simplicity and probability.

Example Sentences

This question is very easy; I finished it immediately.

People who get angry easily need to learn to control their emotions.

This software is easy to operate and suitable for beginners.

He is open-minded and easily accepts new ideas.

This road is prone to traffic jams; it's best to avoid rush hours.