説明書
setsumeisho[se̞t͡sɨme̞ːɕo̞]
The Japanese word for instructions is 説明書 (setsumeisho).
説明書 refers to a written document that explains how to use or assemble something.
Which one should you use?
While 説明書 is the standard term, the abbreviation 取説 (torisetsu) is used in colloquial speech.
How does it change in a sentence?
説明書 is a noun and does not change its form for pluralization. The context determines if it refers to one or multiple instruction manuals. When you want to make a request or give a polite instruction, you can add ください to the end of a sentence.
How do you pronounce it?
setsumeisho
Did you know?
- The colloquial abbreviation 取説 (torisetsu) is so common that it is frequently used as a metaphor in romance, where people joke about needing a 取説 to understand their partner's personality.
- Many Japanese 説明書 include a section called ご注意 (go-chūi), which uses a level of extreme politeness and apology that would seem overly dramatic in an English manual.
- While a 説明書 provides the steps, Japanese instructional culture often emphasizes kotsu (the 'knack' or 'trick'), which are subtle, unwritten tips that the manual cannot capture.
Examples in context
- 説明書を読んでください。Please read the instructions.This sentence is useful for asking someone to read the 説明書.Tatoeba #7577127 by Shake, translation #2959223 by sharptoothed
- 説明書ちゃんと読んどきゃよかった。I should have read the instructions.This sentence expresses regret about not having read the 説明書.Tatoeba #3569901 by tommy_san, translation #3583258 by mikecash
- 説明書通りにやってもうまくいかない。Even though I followed the instructions, it didn't go well.This sentence describes a situation where following the 説明書 did not lead to a successful result.Tatoeba #2465252 by nanananayon, translation #2592698 by WestofEden
- 急いでください。Please hurry.
- こちらへお進みください。Please proceed this way.
- 現金でお支払いください。Please pay in cash.
- ゆっくり食べて。Eat slowly.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is trying to build a new bookshelf in their living room.
- 大翔 Hiroto結衣、説明書はある？Yui, setsumeisho wa aru?Yui, do we have the instructions?
- 結衣 Yui箱の中に一緒に入っているよ。Hako no naka ni issho ni haitte iru yo.They are inside the box.
- 大翔 Hirotoあ、本当だ。これを見ながら進めよう。A, hontou da. Kore o minagara susumeyou.Oh, you're right. Let's proceed while looking at this.
- 結衣 Yui大翔、図をよく見てね。Hiroto, zu o yoku mite ne.Hiroto, look at the diagrams carefully.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 説明書, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
