sencillo

Sencillo is a Spanish word with multiple related meanings. As an adjective, it means simple, easy, or plain, used to describe concepts, objects, or actions that are uncomplicated or unornamented. Examples include una solución sencilla, un diseño sencillo, or una tarea sencilla. It can also describe straightforwardness or naturalness in presentation or behavior.

As a noun, the masculine form el sencillo refers to a music single—a standalone track released commercially, typically for radio play and promotion, distinct from an album’s track list. The term is standard in Spanish-language music journalism and industry, where it functions similarly to the English term “single.” The plural is los sencillos.

Other related forms include sencilla (feminine), sencillez (the noun for simplicity), and the adverb sencillamente (simply, plainly). Phrases such as de forma sencilla or con sencillez express doing something in an easy or uncomplicated manner. The word is widely used across Spanish-speaking countries with the core sense of ease or straightforwardness, as well as in specialized contexts like music publishing.

Etymology and usage notes: Sencillo originates in Spanish and is part of a family of words related to ease and simplicity, including the noun form sencillez and the adverb sencillamente. In everyday speech, it remains common for describing tasks, explanations, and designs as being straightforward or uncomplicated.

See also: Sencillez, Sencillamente, Single (music).