解説

• Reading: かいせつ
• Romaji: kaisetsu
• Kanji breakdown: 解 (kai) — unravel, explain, solve; 説 (setsu) — theory, explain
• Pronunciation: /ka.i.se.t͡sɯ/

Meaning

Explanation; commentary; exposition. A detailed explanation that helps others understand something.

A noun and suru-verb used for providing explanations or commentary, especially on complex topics. Commonly seen in news broadcasts (解説者 — commentator), textbooks (解説書 — explanatory guide), and sports coverage. Distinguished from 説明 (setsumei) which is a more general explanation — 解説 implies expert analysis or breaking down something difficult for a wider audience.

Examples

1. ニュースの後に専門家が解説をした。 After the news, an expert provided commentary.
2. この問題集には丁寧な解説がついている。 This workbook comes with thorough explanations.
3. 試合の解説を聞きながらテレビを見た。 I watched TV while listening to the commentary on the game.

Usage Guide

Context: media, education, sports broadcasting

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 解 (kai, unravel/explain) + 説 (setsu, theory/explain). Together meaning 'to unravel and explain' — breaking something complex into understandable parts.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal