Log inSign up

Ella es una mujer muy simple.

Ella es una mujer muy simple.
She is a very simple-minded woman.
From Lesson 308:Meaning-changing adjectives·Spanish (Spain)

Questions & Answers about Ella es una mujer muy simple.

Why does the sentence translate to "simple-minded" instead of just "simple" or "plain"?
The meaning of the adjective simple changes depending on where it is placed. When it comes after the noun, like mujer simple, it describes a personal trait and often means "simple-minded", "gullible", or "half-witted".
What would it mean if we put simple before the noun, like una simple mujer?
When simple is placed before the noun, its meaning shifts to "mere" or "just". So, una simple mujer would translate to "a mere woman" or "just a woman".
Is calling someone una mujer muy simple insulting?
Yes, it usually is. When applied to people and placed after the noun, simple often carries a negative, condescending tone, implying they are not very bright. If you want to say someone is easy-going, humble, or uncomplicated in a positive way, it is much better to use the word sencilla.
Why do we use es instead of está here?
We use es (from the verb ser) because being "simple-minded" is seen as a fundamental, defining trait of her personality. If we used estar, it would suggest a temporary state or mood, which doesn't fit with describing someone's overall intelligence.

Learn Ella es una mujer muy simple and more in Spanish

All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods, no signup needed.

  • ✓ Practice with interactive exercises
  • ✓ Track your progress with spaced repetition
  • ✓Learn at your own pace — completely free
Start learning Spanish →