解明

• Reading: かいめい
• Romaji: kaimei
• Kanji breakdown: 解 (kai) — untie, solve, unravel; 明 (mei) — bright, clarify
• Pronunciation: /ka.i.meː/

Meaning

Elucidation; the act of clarifying, solving, or unravelling a mystery or problem.

A noun and suru verb used when the truth or cause of something unknown is brought to light. Frequently appears in news about scientific discoveries, criminal investigations, and historical research. Often paired with される (passive) as in 解明される (to be elucidated).

Examples

1. 事件の真相はまだ解明されていない。 The truth behind the incident has not yet been elucidated.
2. 科学者たちが宇宙の謎を解明しようとしている。 Scientists are trying to unravel the mysteries of the universe.
3. 原因の解明には数か月かかる見込みだ。 Clarifying the cause is expected to take several months.

Usage Guide

Context: science, investigations, news

Tone: serious

Origin & History

Compound of 解 (untie, solve) + 明 (bright, clarify). Together they convey the image of bringing something out of darkness into clarity, solving what was previously opaque.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal