説明 — meaning in English: Description

setsumei · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for description

好み

konomi

祝賀会

shukugakai

民主主義

minshu shugi

保全

hozen

説明

setsumei

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Japanese for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word 説明 (setsumei) in academic settings, such as when giving presentations or writing reports where explanations are crucial. It's also commonly found in customer service interactions, where a detailed description of a product or service is necessary.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 解説 (kaisetsu), which also means 'explanation' but often implies a deeper analysis or commentary on a subject. You might choose 説明 (setsumei) for straightforward descriptions, while 解説 (kaisetsu) would be better suited for more complex discussions.

Culture

The word 説明 (setsumei) is derived from two kanji: 説 (setsu), meaning 'explain,' and 明 (mei), meaning 'bright' or 'clear.' This combination reflects the cultural emphasis on clarity and understanding in communication. In Japan, providing a thorough and clear explanation is often seen as a sign of respect and professionalism.

FAQ

Q.What is the meaning of the Japanese word 説明?

The word 説明 (setsumei) means 'description' or 'explanation' in English. It is used to convey information clearly and helpfully.

Q.How do you use 説明 in a sentence?

You can use 説明 (setsumei) in a sentence like this: 'この製品の説明をお願いします' (Kono seihin no setsumei o onegaishimasu), which means 'Please give me a description of this product.'

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 説明?

A common mistake is using 説明 (setsumei) in overly informal contexts. While it is neutral, using it in casual conversations may come off as too formal. Consider using simpler words like 説 (setsu) for casual discussions.

Learn japanese with Maspeak →

Japanese 2000