説明

• Reading: せつめい
• Romaji: setsumei
• Kanji breakdown: 説 (setsu) — explain, theory; 明 (mei) — bright, clear
• Pronunciation: /se.tsɯ.me.i/

Meaning

Explanation; description; account. Making something clear or understandable through words.

Functions as a noun or する verb (説明する). Used in everyday situations, classrooms, manuals, and presentations. Often paired with particles like を (to give an explanation) or が (explanation exists). A fundamental word for teaching and learning contexts.

Examples

1. 先生が文法の使い方を説明してくれた。 The teacher explained how to use the grammar for us.
2. この機械の説明書を読んでください。 Please read the instruction manual for this machine.
3. もう少し詳しく説明していただけますか。 Could you explain in a bit more detail?

Usage Guide

Context: school, workplace, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 説 (setsu, explain/theory) and 明 (mei, bright/clear). Together they mean to make bright through explanation — to clarify something.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal