辩解 biànjiě to explain
to explain; to justify; to defend (a point of view etc); to provide an explanation; to try to defend oneself
How to remember 辩解: 辩 to argue + 解 to explain = to explain.
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How it is used
- To explain oneself / try to justify - often with a whiff of excuse-making - 他为自己的错误辩解 (tā wèi zìjǐ de cuòwù biànjiě) he tried to explain away his mistake.
- Usually self-directed and defensive, when others suspect you're at fault (无力辩解 unable to justify oneself).
- 辩解 leans toward "making excuses"; 辩护 is formal defense (often for others, e.g. in court); 解释 (jiěshì) is neutral "to explain."