簡単な質問
easy question
Literalmente: 簡単 (Easy/Simple) + な (Adjective connector) + 質問 (Question)
Use this to signal that your request is small and won't waste anyone's time.
Em 15 segundos
- A polite way to ask a quick, low-effort question.
- Uses the 'na-adjective' easy (kantan) to describe a question (shitsumon).
- Reduces the social burden on the person being asked.
Significado
This phrase is your go-to for asking a quick, low-pressure question that won't take much time to answer. It is like saying 'I have a quick one for you' to make the listener feel at ease.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6Asking a colleague in the office
すみません、簡単な質問があります。
Excuse me, I have an easy question.
Texting a friend about dinner
簡単な質問！今日の店、どこだっけ？
Easy question! Which restaurant was it today again?
In a formal classroom setting
先生、簡単な質問を一つよろしいでしょうか。
Professor, may I ask one simple question?
Contexto cultural
In Japan, minimizing the perceived burden on others is a key social skill. Using this phrase acts as a 'pre-apology' for interrupting someone's day. It became a staple in office culture to ensure smooth communication between busy colleagues.
The 'One' Trick
Add 'hitotsu' (one) to make it sound even more manageable: 'Kantan na shitsumon wo hitotsu...'
Don't Overpromise
If the question actually requires a 10-minute explanation, don't call it 'kantan' or people will feel misled.
Em 15 segundos
- A polite way to ask a quick, low-effort question.
- Uses the 'na-adjective' easy (kantan) to describe a question (shitsumon).
- Reduces the social burden on the person being asked.
What It Means
簡単な質問 is a simple way to frame a query. It tells the listener that you aren't about to drop a massive, life-altering problem on them. You are just looking for a quick fact or a simple clarification. It is the verbal equivalent of a 'quick tap' on the shoulder.
How To Use It
You usually pair this with a verb like あります (there is) or いいですか (is it okay?). For example, 簡単な質問があります (I have an easy question). It is very flexible. You can use it at the start of a conversation to set the mood. It works perfectly when you just need to know the time or a location.
When To Use It
Use it when you are at a train station asking for directions. Use it in a meeting when you missed a small detail. It is great for texting a friend to ask what time the movie starts. It helps lower the 'burden' on the person you are asking. Everyone likes an easy task, right? It makes people more willing to help you quickly.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this if the question is actually very difficult. If you ask 'What is the meaning of life?' and call it a 簡単な質問, people will think you are joking or very strange. Avoid it if you are asking for a huge favor. Don't use it if you are in a very high-stakes, serious negotiation where every word is heavy. It might sound too lighthearted there.
Cultural Background
Japanese culture places a high value on not being a 'nuisance' or meiwaku. By labeling your question as 'easy,' you are being polite. You are signaling that you won't take up much of their precious time. It is a subtle way to show respect for the other person's schedule. It is a very 'socially lubricated' way to communicate.
Common Variations
You might hear ちょっとした質問 (chotto shita shitsumon), which means 'a small question.' Another one is 単純な質問 (tanjun na shitsumon), which means 'a simple/straightforward question.' If you want to be extra casual with friends, you can just say 簡単な質問いい？ (Easy question okay?). Each variation keeps the vibe light and breezy.
Notas de uso
This phrase is incredibly safe. It fits in almost any social situation. Just remember that 'kantan' is a na-adjective, so never forget the 'na' when placing it before 'shitsumon'.
The 'One' Trick
Add 'hitotsu' (one) to make it sound even more manageable: 'Kantan na shitsumon wo hitotsu...'
Don't Overpromise
If the question actually requires a 10-minute explanation, don't call it 'kantan' or people will feel misled.
The Softener
Japanese speakers often use 'ga' (but) after this phrase to trail off politely: 'Kantan na shitsumon desu ga...'
Exemplos
6すみません、簡単な質問があります。
Excuse me, I have an easy question.
A standard, polite way to interrupt a coworker for a quick fact.
簡単な質問！今日の店、どこだっけ？
Easy question! Which restaurant was it today again?
Very casual and direct for friends.
先生、簡単な質問を一つよろしいでしょうか。
Professor, may I ask one simple question?
Uses 'yoroshii deshou ka' to make the 'easy question' very formal.
簡単な質問だけど、私のチョコ食べた？
Easy question, but did you eat my chocolate?
Using a formal-ish structure for a silly accusation.
簡単な質問ですが、駅はどちらですか？
It's a simple question, but which way is the station?
Softens the approach to a stranger.
これは簡単な質問じゃないね。
This isn't an easy question, is it?
Used when realizing a topic is much deeper than expected.
Teste-se
Choose the correct particle to connect 'kantan' to 'shitsumon'.
簡単___質問があります。
'Kantan' is a na-adjective, so it requires 'na' to modify the noun 'shitsumon'.
Complete the sentence to ask if it's okay to ask a question.
簡単な質問、いい___？
'Desu ka' turns the statement into a polite question.
🎉 Pontuação: /2
Recursos visuais
Formality of 'Kantan na shitsumon'
Used with close friends or siblings.
簡単な質問いい？
Standard daily use with coworkers or strangers.
簡単な質問があります。
Used with superiors or in business meetings.
簡単な質問を一つよろしいでしょうか。
Where to use 'Kantan na shitsumon'
At the Office
Asking for a file name.
On the Street
Asking for the nearest ATM.
With Friends
Asking what time to meet.
In a Shop
Asking if they have a size.
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasYasashii also means easy, but it often refers to 'kindness' or 'easy to solve' like a test. Kantan is better for 'simple' or 'brief' questions.
It is neutral. To make it safer for a boss, add hitotsu yoroshii deshou ka at the end.
You can say kantan na shitsumon ga futatsu (two easy questions), but usually people just stick to the singular to keep it light.
Kantan is a 'na-adjective.' In Japanese, these need na to connect to a noun like shitsumon.
Yes! 【簡単な質問】 in brackets is a common way to show the recipient the email is a quick read.
Not really slang, but people might just say chotto ii? (got a sec?) which implies a quick question is coming.
Not at all. You are describing the *question* as easy to answer, not the person's intelligence.
Only if the favor is very small. If it's a big favor, use onegai ga arimasu instead.
That would be muzukashii shitsumon (difficult question). Use that when you know you're about to be a bit of a headache!
You can say nandesu ka? (What is it?) or hai, douzo (Yes, go ahead).
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