How to say "simply" in Japanese

• 単にたんにJLPT N3approx.Common
  adverbThe adverb for 'simply' meaning 'merely, and nothing more': it states that something is just that, often to play down its importance or rule out a deeper reason or larger claim.
  彼かれは単たんに好奇心こうきしんからそれをしただけだ。↗

  He did it simply out of curiosity.
• だけJLPT N5approx.Common
  particleA particle meaning 'only; just', normally written in kana; it marks the sole thing involved, and its 'simply' is really that restrictive 'just' sense rather than the adverb 'merely'.
  来きたのはメアリーだけだった。↗

  No one came except Mary.
• とてもJLPT N5approx.Common
  adverbNot a general 'simply': it belongs to the intensifying use with a negative — 'simply cannot', 'not at all', 'by no means' — as in being quite unable to do or understand something.
  この雨あめの中なかを外出がいしゅつすることはとてもできないことです。↗

  Going out in this rain is out of the question.
• あっさりJLPT N1approx.Common
  adverb (with と), suru verbAn onomatopoeic adverb covering 'simply' as 'plainly': lightly seasoned food, light make-up, a plain, unadorned taste or look; it never means 'merely'.
• 穏便おんびんCommon
  na-adjective, nounMeans 'without fuss': settling or handling a matter quietly and without trouble. Its 'simply' is that narrow sense — doing things the easy, peaceful way — not the adverb 'merely'.

Use 「単に」 for the adverb 'merely', 「だけ」 for the particle 'only, just', 「とても」 only in 'simply cannot', 「あっさり」 for plainness of taste or appearance, and 穏便 for doing something without fuss.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 単にたんにsimply
• だけonly
• ただにmerely
• ただただabsolutely
• とても(not) at all
• あっさりlightly (seasoned food, applied make-up, etc.)
• ちょいちょいeasily
• 穏便おんびんwithout fuss
• あくまでafter all
• あくまでもafter all
• さくっquickly
• ひとりjust
• ただonly