简便 (jiǎn biàn) — simple and convenient

Definition

Adjective meaning 'simple and convenient' — used for methods, tools, or procedures that are easy to use (简便的方法, 简便的操作).

adjective
simple and convenient

Examples

  • 简便。
    Zhè zhǒng xīn shè bèi shǐ yòng qǐ lái hěn jiǎn biàn.
    This new device is very simple and convenient to use.
  • 简便。
    Zhè ge ruǎn jiàn de cāo zuò fāng fǎ fēi cháng jiǎn biàn.
    The operating method of this software is very simple and convenient.
  • 简便。
    Wǎng shàng gòu wù bǐ qù shāng diàn mǎi dōng xī jiǎn biàn duō le.
    Online shopping is much simpler and more convenient than going to the store.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
联合liánhéSide by side

Two parts of equal weight, alike or opposite in meaning, standing side by side.

简jiǎnsimple
便biànconvenient

简 means simple and 便 means convenient, so together they describe something easy and handy.

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 簡; 简 is its simplified writing.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
Sound part声符shēngfú
間
閒xián簡jiǎn
Same sound today

In the traditional form 簡, 竹 (bamboo) is paired with 間 (also written 閒) as a sound part; the simplified 简 is a later shorthand.

Open 简 →

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

便 pairs 亻 (person) with 更 (to change), showing a person changing posture to become comfortable.

Open 便 →

Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.