说明书

• Pinyin: shuō míng shū
• Hanzi breakdown: 说明 = to explain; 书 = document — instruction manual

Meaning

Instruction manual; user guide; directions. A document explaining how to use, assemble, or operate a product.

Accompanies products like electronics, appliances, medications, and furniture. Sections may include 使用方法 (usage instructions), 注意事项 (precautions), 故障排除 (troubleshooting), and 保修条款 (warranty terms). Also refers to 药品说明书 (medicine package inserts).

Examples

1. 使用这个电器之前请仔细阅读说明书。 Please read the instruction manual carefully before using this appliance.
2. 我把说明书弄丢了，不知道怎么安装这个书架。 I lost the manual and don't know how to assemble this bookshelf.
3. 药品说明书上写着不能和酒精同服。 The medicine package insert says it cannot be taken with alcohol.

Usage Guide

Context: products, medicine, assembly

Tone: informative

Do Say

• 说明书上有详细的安装步骤。(The manual has detailed installation steps.)
• 请按照说明书服药。(Please take the medicine according to the instructions.)

Don't Say

• 教科书不叫'说明书' (Textbooks aren't called 说明书 — use 教材 or 课本)

Origin & History

Compound of 说明 (to explain, illustrate) + 书 (book, document). Literally 'explanation document.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal