Definition
解 (jiě) is a versatile verb meaning 'to untie, solve, or remove' — it covers physical loosening, problem-solving, and relieving burdens. For solving specific problems or answering questions, use 解答 (jiě dá); for formally lifting restrictions or removing someone from a position, use 解除 (jiě chú). 解 is more general and common than these more specific siblings.
verb
to untieto loosento separateto solveto explainto removeto relieve
Easily confused
- 接jiēsound-aliketo answer (the phone), to pick up (someone), to receive (an object or person)
- 街jiēsound-alikestreet
- 借jièsound-aliketo borrow
- 节jiésound-alike(classifier) for segments of connected things: lessons, train cars, sections
- 结jiésound-alike(noun) knot
- 结jiēsound-alike(of plants) to produce (fruit or seeds)
- 戒jièsound-aliketo quit, to give up (a habit or addiction)
- 界jièsound-alike(suffix) realm, world, sphere
- 劫jiésound-aliketo rob; to plunder; to seize by force
- 皆jiēsound-alike(formal) all, each and every
Examples
- ？Nǐ néng jiě kāi zhège shéngzi ma?Can you untie this rope?
- 。Zhège wèntí wǒ yǐjīng jiě jué le.I have already solved this problem.
- 。Qǐng nǐ jiě shì yíxià zhè jù huà.Please explain this sentence.
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