Meaning and Usage
"説明" (せつめい) means "explanation" or "description." It is commonly used when someone clarifies or describes information, instructions, or reasons.
Common Contexts
You will often hear "説明" in educational settings, product instructions, or when someone is clarifying a point in conversation or writing.
Collocations and Patterns
- "説明する" (to explain): the most common verb pairing.
- "説明を聞く" (to listen to an explanation): used when receiving information.
- "詳しい説明" (detailed explanation): emphasizes thoroughness.
Register and Politeness
"説明" is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Adding polite forms like "説明してください" makes it suitable for requests.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "説明" with "解説" (かいせつ), which also means explanation but is often used for commentary or detailed analysis. Use "説明" for general explanations and instructions.