説明
せつめい
hepburn setsumei
explanation, to explain
Part of speech · noun / suru-verb
Pattern visualization
Examples
- 使い方を簡単に説明します。I will explain the usage simply.
- 彼の説明はとても分かりやすかった。His explanation was very easy to understand.
Collocations
説明 (setsumei, explanation)説明する (setsumei suru, to explain)説明書 (setsumeisho, manual)解説 (kaisetsu, commentary)紹介 (shoukai, introduction)
Mnemonic
Setsumei (説明) is the Sino-Japanese "explanation," noun or suru-verb. 説 (speak) + 明 (clear / bright) = "speaking clearly." Default vocabulary in business and learning. Setsumeisho (instruction manual) is the booklet bundled with products — Japanese electronics and furniture manuals are famed for precision. Compare: kaisetsu (commentary, more academic / expert), shoukai (introduction, of people or info), annai (guidance, for routes or facilities). "Wakariyasui setsumei" (an easy-to-follow explanation) is a core evaluative phrase in learning and presentations. Metaphor: iiwake setsumei (excuse-style explanation, negative), jiko setsumei (self-introduction).
Quick check
Difference between setsumei and kaisetsu?