説く

• Reading: とく
• Romaji: toku
• Kanji breakdown: 説 (setsu/to) — explain, theory, preach
• Pronunciation: /to.kɯ/

Meaning

To explain; to preach; to advocate. To present ideas or teachings persuasively.

A Group 1 (godan) transitive verb conjugated with the く row (説かない, 説きます). Used for persuasive or authoritative explanation: teachers expounding theory, religious leaders preaching doctrine, politicians advocating policy. More formal and weighty than 説明する. Common in literary and philosophical contexts.

Examples

1. 教授は環境保護の大切さを学生に説いた。 The professor preached the importance of environmental protection to the students.
2. 仏教では慈悲の心を説いている。 Buddhism teaches the spirit of compassion.
3. 彼は平和の重要性を世界中で説いている。 He advocates the importance of peace around the world.

Usage Guide

Context: philosophy, religion, education

Tone: authoritative

Origin & History

The kanji 説 (setsu) combines 言 (speech) and 兌 (to exchange). Originally meant 'to explain through exchanged words' — the act of conveying understanding through discourse.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal