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.
この問題を説明してください。
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.
ガイドが遺跡について解説してくれた。
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.
子供に危険を言い聞かせる。
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.
遅刻の理由を説明してください。
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.
彼はいつも言い訳ばかりしている。
He's always making excuses.
To explain oneself, to vindicate, to justify. Formal and often used in official or serious contexts, like a public statement.
大臣は疑惑について釈明した。
The minister explained himself regarding the allegations.
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.
もう少し詳しく説明してもらえますか？
Could you explain it in a little more detail?
To give a supplementary explanation, to add additional information.
補足説明があります。
I have a supplementary explanation.
To explain in simple terms, to break it down. Literally 'to chew and explain'.
子供にもわかるようにかみ砕いて説明した。
I explained it in simple terms so that even a child could understand.
To explain a procedure, mechanism, or method.
To explain the steps or procedure.
登録の手順を説明します。
I will explain the registration procedure.
To explain how something works, the mechanism or system.
この機械の仕組みを説明してください。
Please explain how this machine works.
To explain what a word or concept means.
To explain the meaning.
この言葉の意味を説明できますか？
Can you explain the meaning of this word?
To define. More formal and precise, often used in academic or technical contexts.
この用語を定義してください。
Please define this term.
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).