Comparison of "轻易" and "容易"

In Chinese, both "轻易" and "容易" are related to the concept of ease or simplicity, but they are used in different contexts and convey slightly different nuances.

轻易 (qīngyì)

"轻易" is an adverb or adjective that means "easily" or "without difficulty". It indicates that something is done easily, but may carry a shade of carelessness or casualness.

• For example: Don't easily reveal your secrets. - 不要轻易地泄露你的秘密。(Bùyào qīngyì de xièlòu nǐ de mìmì.)
• For example: This path is not as easy as it seems. - 这条路不是看起来那么轻易的。(Zhè tiáo lù bùshì kàn qǐlái nàme qīngyì de.)

容易 (róngyì)

"容易" is also an adverb or adjective that means "easily" or "simply". However, it is more commonly used to denote the ease of completing a task or achieving a goal, without the connotation of carelessness or casualness.

• For example: This task is very easy. - 这个任务很容易。(Zhège rènwù hěn róngyì.)
• For example: Just ask for help if you need to do something. - 如果你需要做什么事情，只需要轻易地寻求帮助。(Rúguǒ nǐ xūyào zuò shénme shìqíng, zhǐ xūyào qīngyì de xúnqiú bāngzhù.)

Main Differences

• Definition: "轻易" emphasizes the ease of action but may include a shade of carelessness or casualness, whereas "容易" simply indicates the ease of completing a task or achieving a goal without this connotation.
• Usage: "轻易" is often used to caution against carelessness or to emphasize that something may be done too easily, while "容易" more neutrally indicates the simplicity or ease of completing a task.