How To Say Explain In Japanese

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Post on Apr 08, 2025

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How to Say "Explain" in Japanese: A Comprehensive Guide to Explaining and Clarifying

The seemingly simple act of explaining something can take on surprising complexity when navigating a new language. In Japanese, expressing the nuance of "explain" requires a deeper understanding than simply translating a single English word. This comprehensive guide delves into the various ways to say "explain" in Japanese, depending on context, formality, and the desired level of detail.

Beyond a Single Translation:

Unlike English, which primarily uses "explain" for a wide range of situations, Japanese employs a variety of verbs and expressions, each subtly shading the meaning and conveying different levels of formality and depth. Choosing the right phrasing depends on factors like:

• The audience: Are you speaking to a superior, a peer, or a subordinate?
• The subject matter: Is it a complex technical concept or a simple instruction?
• The desired level of detail: Do you need a brief summary or a thorough breakdown?
• The purpose of the explanation: Are you trying to teach, persuade, or clarify?

Common Ways to Say "Explain" in Japanese:

Here are some key verbs and phrases used to express the act of explaining, categorized for clarity:

1. 説明する (setsumei suru):

This is the most straightforward and commonly used equivalent of "to explain." It's a general-purpose verb suitable for most situations, covering a wide range of topics and audiences. It's neutral in formality and works well in both spoken and written Japanese.

• Example: 先生は難しい問題を丁寧に説明しました。(Sensei wa muzukashii mondai o teinei ni setsumei shimashita.) - The teacher explained the difficult problem carefully.

2. 解釈する (kaishaku suru):

This verb means "to interpret" or "to explain the meaning of." It's particularly useful when explaining the meaning of something ambiguous, metaphorical, or requiring interpretation, such as a text, a dream, or a symbol.

• Example: 彼はその詩を独自の解釈で説明した。(Kare wa sono shi o dokuyū no kaishaku de setsumei shita.) - He explained the poem with his own unique interpretation.

3. 言い訳する (iiwake suru):

While literally translating to "to make an excuse," this phrase can be used when explaining a mistake or a failure, often with a hint of apology or justification. It’s important to note the negative connotation; using this when a simple explanation is sufficient could be perceived poorly.

• Example: 彼は遅刻の言い訳をした。(Kare wa chikoku no iiwake o shita.) - He made an excuse for being late.

4. 詳しく説明する (kuwashiku setsumei suru):

This phrase emphasizes the detailed nature of the explanation. Adding "kuwashiku" (in detail) to "setsumei suru" enhances the meaning, signifying a thorough and comprehensive explanation.

• Example: 彼はその計画を詳しく説明しました。(Kare wa sono keikaku o kuwashiku setsumei shimashita.) - He explained the plan in detail.

5. 分かりやすく説明する (wakariyasuku setsumei suru):

This phrase translates to "to explain in an easy-to-understand manner." It focuses on making the explanation clear and accessible to the audience, implying a simplified and readily comprehensible approach.

• Example: 先生は子供たちに分かりやすく説明しました。(Sensei wa kodomotachi ni wakariyasuku setsumei shimashita.) - The teacher explained it to the children in an easy-to-understand way.

6. 教える (oshieru):

While primarily meaning "to teach," "oshieru" can also be used when explaining something, especially in an instructional context. It implies a more active and participatory process of knowledge transfer.

• Example: 彼は私にパソコンの使い方を教えてくれた。(Kare wa watashi ni pasokon no tsukaikata o oshiete kureta.) - He taught me how to use the computer.

7. 伝える (tsutaeru):

This verb signifies "to convey" or "to communicate." It's useful when explaining something that needs to be clearly understood and passed on to another person or group.

• Example: 彼は重要な情報を丁寧に伝えました。(Kare wa jūyō na jōhō o teinei ni tsutaemashita.) - He carefully conveyed the important information.

Politeness and Formality:

Japanese grammar significantly impacts the formality of your explanation. Using polite verb endings like "-masu" is crucial when addressing superiors or in formal settings. For example, "setsumei shimasu" (I will explain) is polite, while "setsumei suru" (I will explain) is more casual.

Contextual Examples:

Let's explore how different phrases work in specific scenarios:

• Scenario 1: Explaining a complex scientific concept to colleagues: "この理論を詳しく説明しましょうか。(Kono riron o kuwashiku setsumei shimashou ka?)" - Shall I explain this theory in detail? (Uses polite form and emphasizes detail).

• Scenario 2: Explaining a mistake to your boss: "申し訳ありませんが、遅刻の理由を説明させていただきます。(Mōshiwake arimasen ga, chikoku no riyū o setsumei sasete itadakimasu.)" - I apologize, but I will explain the reason for my lateness. (Highly polite, uses a humble expression to address the mistake).

• Scenario 3: Explaining instructions to a child: "これはこうやって使うんだよ。(Kore wa kō yatte tsukau nda yo.)" - You use this like this. (Informal and simple, appropriate for a child).

Beyond Verbs: Phrases for Clarification:

Beyond the verbs themselves, several phrases help clarify and enhance explanations:

• 簡単に言うと (kantan ni iu to): In short…
• つまり (tsumari): In other words…
• 要するに (yōsuru ni): In essence…
• 言い換えると (ii kaeru to): To put it another way…
• 具体的には (gutaiteki ni wa): Specifically…

Mastering the Nuances:

Truly mastering how to "explain" in Japanese requires practice and immersion in the language. Pay attention to how native speakers use these different verbs and phrases in various contexts. Observe the subtle differences in meaning and formality, and strive to choose the most appropriate expression for each situation. This will greatly enhance your ability to communicate effectively and clearly in Japanese.

Conclusion:

This guide has explored various ways to express "explain" in Japanese, highlighting the importance of context and formality. By understanding the subtle differences between these verbs and phrases, and by incorporating clarifying expressions, you can greatly improve your ability to convey information clearly and effectively in Japanese, regardless of the subject matter or your audience. Remember that consistent practice and exposure to the language are key to mastering these nuances and confidently explaining anything in Japanese.