gaan2簡简
Jyutpinggaan2
Yalegáan
Definition
Simple, not complicated, and easy to understand or master.
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
While 簡 is a morpheme meaning simple, it rarely stands alone as a complete adjective in modern spoken Cantonese. It is almost always paired with other characters like 簡單 or 簡潔 to form a complete concept. Using it as a standalone descriptor can sound like a clipped or literary shorthand rather than natural speech.
Examples
This matter is very simple, you will understand it after listening once.
Why don't we keep it simple and not make it so complicated.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 慳, which sounds similar but means to save or be frugal. Learners often mix these up because they both relate to efficiency or reduction.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
