釈明

• Reading: しゃくめい
• Romaji: shakumei
• Kanji breakdown: 釈 (shaku) — explain, interpret, release; 明 (mei) — clear, bright
• Pronunciation: /ɕa.kɯ.meː/

Meaning

Explanation; vindication. A formal statement clarifying or defending one's actions or position.

A noun and suru-verb used when someone provides an explanation to clear up misunderstandings or justify their behaviour. More formal and defensive in tone than 説明 (setsumei, explanation) — 釈明 implies that the speaker is under suspicion or criticism and needs to defend themselves. Common collocations include 釈明する (to explain/vindicate), 釈明会見 (explanatory press conference), and 釈明に追われる (to be pressured to explain oneself).

Examples

1. 政治家は不正疑惑について釈明を求められた。 The politician was asked to explain the corruption allegations.
2. 遅刻の理由を釈明したが、上司は納得しなかった。 I gave an explanation for being late, but my boss wasn't convinced.
3. 会社は記者会見で事故の原因を釈明した。 The company explained the cause of the accident at a press conference.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, business, media

Tone: serious

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 釈 (shaku, explain/interpret/release) + 明 (mei, clear/bright). Literally 'to explain clearly' — the kanji 釈 carries the nuance of unravelling or releasing something from obscurity.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Professional