Refers to a systematic explanation, academic theory, or established doctrine. Often used as a suffix in compound terms like 進化説 (theory of evolution) or 地動説 (heliocentric theory).
He presented a new economic theory.
地動説はコペルニクスによって提唱された。
The heliocentric theory was proposed by Copernicus.
Used for a personal opinion or viewpoint, often in contexts like 自説 (one's own opinion) or 説を述べる (to state one's view).
会議で彼は自分の説を強く主張した。
He strongly asserted his opinion at the meeting.
この問題については様々な説がある。
There are various views on this issue.
Refers to unverified talk or hearsay. Common in phrases like 説が立つ (a rumor spreads) or 説を流す (to spread a rumor).
彼が辞職するという説が流れている。
There's a rumor going around that he will resign.
それは単なる説に過ぎない。
That's just hearsay.
That scholar proposed a new theory.
I stated my own view at the meeting.
There's a rumor going around that he's going to quit.
According to his theory, the dinosaurs went extinct due to a meteorite.
The new fossil supported that theory.
legend; folklore; tradition
persuasion; convincing
speech; address
sermon; preaching; homily · scolding; lecturing; remonstration
hypothesis; assumption; tentative theory
editorial; leading article; leader
remark; statement; discourse
established theory; accepted view
various opinions; various theories · various rumors
article; discourse; dissertation; argument; commentary · editorial; leading article; leader
emphasize; stress; argue strongly
theory; academic doctrine
one theory; one opinion; another theory
paradox
prevailing view; common opinion; commonly accepted theory
Buddhist sermon; preaching the Dharma · lecturing; preaching; moralizing
lovers' quarrel; lovers' tiff · chattering; idle talk
one's own opinion; one's personal view
overview; outline; rough summary
rumor; gossip; hearsay
popular belief; common saying; folklore
new theory; new explanation
tale; narrative; story
geocentric theory; Ptolemaic theory
heliocentric theory; heliocentrism
belief in the innate goodness of human nature
illustrated explanation; diagram