Definition
解释 (jiěshì) is the general, everyday verb for 'explain' — you use it for explaining reasons, meanings, or situations. 说明 (shuōmíng) is similar but often implies stating facts clearly or giving instructions (e.g., 说明书 'manual'). For detailed, step-by-step explanation (like a teacher), use 讲解; for interpreting a text or data, use 解读.
verb
to explainto interpret
Measure word · 个
Easily confused
- 结实jiē shisound-alikesturdy, durable (of objects)
- 结识jié shísound-aliketo get to know (someone); to make the acquaintance of
- 揭示jiē shìsound-aliketo reveal, to disclose (a truth, law, fact, etc.)
- 届时jiè shísound-alikeat the appointed time; when the time comes (formal)
Examples
- 解释？Nǐ néng jiě shì yí xià zhège wèntí de yìsi ma?Can you explain the meaning of this question?
- 解释？Nǐ zěnme jiě shì zuótiān fāshēng de shìqing?How do you explain what happened yesterday?
- 解释。Tā xiàng lǎoshī jiě shì le chídào de yuányīn.He explained to the teacher the reason for being late.
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