説明する
setsumei suru
To explain in Japanese is 説明する (setsumei suru).
The term 説明する is used to mean 'to explain'.
Meaning: excuse (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The noun component, 説明, means 'explanation'.
Which one should you use?
While 説明する is a common and general term, you might use 説明致します (setsumei itashimasu) when you want to be more polite and respectful, particularly when addressing someone of higher status. In very casual settings among friends, you might instead use 教えて (oshiete) to mean 'teach me' or 'tell me'.
How do you pronounce it?
setsumei suru
Did you know?
- Japanese has a concept called 忖度 (sontaku), which is the art of guessing what another person wants without them having to 説明する (explain) it at all. This is highly valued in social harmony.
- The word 説明 (setsumei) is composed of two characters that literally mean 'set/arrange' and 'clear'. This implies that to explain something is to arrange it into a clear state.
- While 説明する means 'to explain', Japanese speakers often avoid it when apologizing. Using it in a mistake-related context can sound like you are making excuses rather than taking responsibility.
Examples in context
- 事情は後で説明する。I will explain the situation to you later on.This sentence shows how to use 説明する to say you will explain a situation later.Tatoeba #174340 by tommy_san, translation #240129 by CK
- 説明するのは簡単さ。It's easy to explain.This sentence uses 説明する to state that explaining is easy.Tatoeba #11682794 by small_snow, translation #3636049 by CK
- 説明するの難しいなあ。That's difficult to explain.This sentence uses 説明する to express that something is difficult to explain.Tatoeba #8906569 by bunbuku, translation #2280407 by CK
- その理論を説明してくださいPlease explain that theory
- お客様に製品の使い方を説明致しますI will explain the usage of the product to the customer
- これは何ですか？教えてくださいWhat is this? Please explain
- このゲームのルールを説明してくれる？Can you explain the rules of this game to me?
- この料理は何で作られていますか？説明していただけますか？What is this dish made of? Could you please explain?
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta is late for a meeting with Yui.
- 結衣 Yuiどうして遅れたの？Dōshite okureta no?Why are you late?
- 健太 Kenta今から説明するよ。Ima kara setsumei suru yo.I'll explain now.
- 結衣 Yui早く説明してね。Hayaku setsumei shite ne.Please explain quickly.
- 健太 Kenta電車が止まったんだ。Densha ga tomatta nda.The train stopped.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
