解释
To explain
Wörtlich: To untie and release
Use `解释` to bridge gaps in understanding, but don't use it to make endless excuses.
In 15 Sekunden
- Used to clarify misunderstandings or break down complex ideas.
- Functions as both a verb (to explain) and noun (an explanation).
- Essential for work, relationships, and clearing up confusion.
Bedeutung
This word is your go-to for clearing up a misunderstanding or breaking down a complex idea. It is the bridge between 'I don't get it' and 'Oh, I see!'
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 6Explaining a word to a friend
你能解释一下这个词的意思吗？
Can you explain the meaning of this word?
Being late for a meeting
对不起，请听我解释。
Sorry, please let me explain.
Texting a partner after a misunderstanding
这是一个误会，我可以解释。
This is a misunderstanding, I can explain.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The term reflects the deep-rooted value of logic and clarity in Chinese philosophy. While it is a modern everyday word, it carries the weight of 'untying' knots, a metaphor used since ancient times to describe solving problems. In modern social media, 'explain' is often used ironically when someone is caught in a funny or awkward situation.
The 'Softener' Trick
Always add `一下` (yīxià) after `解释` to sound less demanding. `解释一下` sounds like 'explain a bit,' which is much friendlier.
Don't Over-explain
In Chinese culture, explaining too much when you've made a mistake can look like you're avoiding responsibility. Sometimes 'Sorry' is enough.
In 15 Sekunden
- Used to clarify misunderstandings or break down complex ideas.
- Functions as both a verb (to explain) and noun (an explanation).
- Essential for work, relationships, and clearing up confusion.
What It Means
解释 (jiěshì) is the standard way to say 'explain' in Chinese. Think of it as untying a knot in someone's mind. The first character 解 means to separate or untie. The second character 释 means to release or clear up. Together, they mean you are taking a messy situation and making it clear. It is not just for teachers. It is for anyone who needs to give a reason for why they were late or why they ate the last dumpling.
How To Use It
You can use it as a verb or a noun. If you want to say 'Let me explain,' you say 让我解释一下. The 一下 makes it sound softer and more natural. You can also use it to ask for an explanation, like 请给我一个解释. It is very flexible. You can explain a word, a rule, or even your feelings. Just put the thing you are explaining right after the word. It is like a Swiss Army knife for communication.
When To Use It
Use it whenever there is a gap in understanding. Use it at work when a project is confusing. Use it with your partner if you forgot your anniversary (good luck!). Use it when you are learning Chinese and don't understand a grammar point. It is perfect for texting when a message gets misinterpreted. It is a very safe, 'green light' word for almost any situation.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if you are just 'telling' a story. That is 讲 (jiǎng). Don't use it if you are 'introducing' someone. That is 介绍 (jièshào). Also, if you are apologizing, don't just 'explain' away your mistake. In China, sometimes too much 解释 sounds like you are making excuses. Sometimes a simple 'sorry' is better than a long technical breakdown of why the bus was late.
Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, 'saving face' is a big deal. When you ask someone for an 解释, you are giving them a chance to fix a mistake without losing face. However, be careful. If a boss asks for an 解释, they might actually be asking for an apology. Historically, the characters come from ancient ways of deconstructing text or logic. It is a word rooted in the idea of bringing order to chaos.
Common Variations
You will often hear 解释清楚 (jiěshì qīngchǔ). This means 'to explain clearly.' It adds a bit of punch. Another one is 误会 (wùhuì), which means 'misunderstanding.' You usually 解释 a 误会. If someone says 别解释了 (bié jiěshì le), they are basically saying 'Save it' or 'I don't want to hear your excuses.' Use that one sparingly!
Nutzungshinweise
Very versatile word. Use `一下` to soften the tone. In professional settings, it is the standard word for clarifying points.
The 'Softener' Trick
Always add `一下` (yīxià) after `解释` to sound less demanding. `解释一下` sounds like 'explain a bit,' which is much friendlier.
Don't Over-explain
In Chinese culture, explaining too much when you've made a mistake can look like you're avoiding responsibility. Sometimes 'Sorry' is enough.
Face Saving
If someone gives you a very long, detailed `解释`, they are often trying to 'save face.' Even if you don't believe them, nodding along is the polite thing to do.
Beispiele
6你能解释一下这个词的意思吗？
Can you explain the meaning of this word?
A very common way to ask for help with language.
对不起，请听我解释。
Sorry, please let me explain.
A polite way to start an excuse in a professional setting.
这是一个误会，我可以解释。
This is a misunderstanding, I can explain.
Classic line for fixing a relationship hiccup.
老师解释得很清楚。
The teacher explained it very clearly.
Uses 'de' to describe how the action was performed.
别解释了，你嘴上还有奶油！
Don't even explain, you still have cream on your mouth!
A funny way to shut down a bad excuse.
我需要一个合理的解释。
I need a reasonable explanation.
Used when you are a bit upset and want the truth.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence: 'I don't understand, please ___.'
我不明白，请你___一下。
`解释` is used to clarify meaning, while `介绍` is for introductions and `说话` is just for speaking.
Complete the phrase for 'Explain clearly'.
你能解释___吗？
`清楚` (clearly) is the most common complement used with `解释`.
🎉 Ergebnis: /2
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Formality of 解释
Explaining why you're late to a movie.
让我解释一下嘛！
Asking a teacher about a grammar point.
请解释这个词。
A spokesperson giving a formal statement.
对此，我们有详细的解释。
When to use 解释
Language Learning
Explain a grammar rule
Workplace
Explain a project delay
Relationships
Clear up a misunderstanding
Daily Life
Explain a recipe
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenIt is neutral! You can use it with your best friend or your CEO. It fits everywhere.
Yes, it can mean 'excuse' in a negative context, like 别找解释 (don't look for excuses).
You say 让我解释一下 (Ràng wǒ jiěshì yīxià). It's the most natural way.
解释 is for meanings and reasons, while 说明 (shuōmíng) is more like 'to illustrate' or 'manual instructions'.
Yes! For example: 你的解释我不接受 (I don't accept your explanation).
Only if they did something wrong to you. Otherwise, it might sound a bit aggressive.
It means 'to explain clearly.' It's a very common resultative phrase.
You say 我解释不清楚 (Wǒ jiěshì bù qīngchǔ) or 没法解释 (Méifǎ jiěshì).
Not always. It can just mean explaining a concept, like a math problem.
Not really. Use 翻译 (fānyì) for translating words from one language to another.
Verwandte Redewendungen
说明
To illustrate / explain (as in a manual)
误会
Misunderstanding
理解
To understand / comprehend
明白
To understand / clear
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