辩解 (biàn jiě) means to defend oneself or justify one's actions, often with a sense of making excuses or explaining away blame. It is less formal than 辩护 (biàn hù), which implies a stronger, more formal defense (e.g., in court), and is distinct from 答辩 (dá biàn), which refers to defending a thesis or replying to formal accusations. Use 辩解 when someone is trying to talk their way out of a mistake or criticism.