lihtne

Lihtne is an Estonian adjective meaning easy or simple. It is used to describe tasks, objects, or situations that require little effort or have few complications, as in see on lihtne ülesanne (that is a simple task) or see on lihtne lahendada (it is easy to solve). The word is formed with the common Estonian adjective suffix -ne from the root li-ht, which conveys ease or simplicity. The related noun lihtsus expresses the quality of being simple, and the adverb lihtsalt means simply or just.

In grammar, adjectives in Estonian agree with the noun they modify in number and case, so lihtne can take different forms to match the noun. Examples include lihtne ülesanne (nominative singular), lihtse ülesande (genitive singular), and lihtset ülesannet (partitive singular). In plural contexts, forms such as lihtsad ülesanded are used.

Nuance and usage: lihtne often signals straightforwardness rather than superficiality, and it is commonly contrasted with keeruline (complicated). It can describe cognitive simplicity as well as ease of physical effort. For contrastive emphasis, speakers may use synonyms like kerge, though kerge can also imply lightness or ease in a physical sense.

Derived forms: the noun lihtsus (simplicity) and the adverb lihtsalt (simply). Common compounds include lihtne lahendus (a simple solution). The term is a standard part of everyday Estonian vocabulary and appears across formal and informal contexts.