Translation guide
The English word "explaining" refers to the act of making something clear or understandable. In Japanese, the most common and versatile way to express this is with the verb 説明する (setsumei suru). However, depending on the context—such as giving a reason, clarifying a misunderstanding, or describing a process—different words and phrases are more natural. This guide covers the main ways to express "explaining" in Japanese, from general explanations to specific nuances.
To make something clear or understandable, to give an account of something.
The most common and general verb for 'to explain'. It can be used in almost any situation, from casual to formal.
Please explain this problem.
He explained the new rules.
Often used for explaining or commenting on something in detail, like a guide, commentary, or lecture. Slightly more formal or technical than 説明する.
The guide explained the ruins to us.
To explain or persuade someone by talking to them, often used when trying to make someone understand or accept something, especially with children or in emotional contexts.
To explain the danger to a child (to make them understand).
To explain why something happened or why you did something, often to justify or clarify.
Literally 'to explain the reason'. A straightforward way to say you are explaining why.
Please explain the reason for your lateness.
To make an excuse. Often has a negative connotation of trying to justify oneself rather than giving a neutral explanation.
Be careful: 言い訳 often implies a poor or self-serving excuse, not a valid explanation.
To explain oneself, to vindicate, to justify. Formal and often used in official or serious contexts, like a public statement.
To explain further, to make something clearer by adding details or rephrasing.
To explain in detail. A common phrase when you want someone to elaborate.
Could you explain it in a little more detail?
To give a supplementary explanation, to add additional information.
I have a supplementary explanation.
To explain in simple terms, to break it down. Literally 'to chew and explain'.
To explain a procedure, mechanism, or method.
To explain what a word or concept means.
説明する is the general verb for explaining anything. 解説する implies a more detailed, often expert commentary, like a guided tour or a technical explanation. Use 説明する for everyday situations; use 解説する when you are providing an in-depth analysis or guided explanation.
In English, we often say 'explain about something'. In Japanese, 説明する takes a direct object with を, not について. For example, 'He explained about the project' should be 彼はプロジェクトを説明した, not 彼はプロジェクトについて説明した (which means 'he explained regarding the project', and is less natural).
He's always making excuses.
The minister explained himself regarding the allegations.
I explained it in simple terms so that even a child could understand.
Please explain how this machine works.