説明する
せつめいする·setsumei suru
Meaning
to explain; to describe; to give an explanation
Nuance & Usage
説明する means to explain something clearly so that the listener can understand. It is used in daily life, school, and business. Common patterns include 理由を説明する (explain the reason), わかりやすく説明する (explain clearly), and 説明を受ける (receive an explanation). In formal settings, ご説明いたします is a polite expression.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes use 話す when they should use 説明する. 話す simply means to speak, while 説明する means to provide structured information so the other person understands. Also remember the particle を for the thing being explained: ルールを説明する.
Example Sentences (3)
この図を使って、手順を説明します。
このずをつかって、てじゅんをせつめいします。
I will explain the procedure using this diagram.
先生が文法の違いをわかりやすく説明してくれました。
せんせいがぶんぽうのちがいをわかりやすくせつめいしてくれました。
The teacher explained the grammar differences in an easy-to-understand way.
遅れた理由を上司に説明しなければなりません。
おくれたりゆうをじょうしにせつめいしなければなりません。
I have to explain the reason for the delay to my supervisor.
Quick Quiz
Quick Quiz
N34 questionsTest your knowledge of 説明する with 4 different question types.
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