解释 jiěshì to explain
How to remember 解释: 解 to explain + 释 to explain = to explain.
Characters
How it is used
- To explain a reason or make something clear - 解释原因 (jiěshì yuányīn) explain the reason; also 'to account for oneself': 你需要解释一下 (nǐ xūyào jiěshì yíxià) you need to explain yourself.
- Contrast 说明 (shuōmíng, to explain/illustrate how something works, more expository) and 介绍 (jièshào, to introduce): 解释 clears up confusion or defends a point.
- Can be a noun: 一个合理的解释 (yí ge hélǐ de jiěshì) a reasonable explanation.
Example sentences
- 没时间解释。 Méi shíjiān jiěshì.There's no time to explain.
- 我不想听解释。 Wǒ bùxiǎng tīng jiěshì.I don't want any excuses.
- 他解释了自己的方案。 Tā jiěshìle zìjǐ de fāng'àn.He explained his plan.