简化 (jiǎn huà) is a verb meaning 'to simplify' — to make something less complex, easier to understand, or more efficient by removing unnecessary parts or steps. The first character 简 (jiǎn) means 'simple', 'brief', or 'uncomplicated', while the second character 化 (huà) is a common suffix meaning 'to change into' or 'to transform'. Together, they literally convey 'transforming into something simple'. This word is frequently used in contexts involving processes, instructions, designs, language, or administrative procedures.

It commonly appears in both formal and informal registers — for example, in education (simplifying grammar rules), technology (simplifying user interfaces), or daily life (simplifying a recipe). It often follows a noun indicating what is being simplified (e.g., 简化流程 'simplify the process') or appears with objects introduced by 把 or 被 in passive constructions. While it can occasionally function as a noun ('simplification'), its primary and most frequent use is verbal.