说明 — meaning in English: Instructions

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

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讨论

tǎolùn

说明

shuōmíng

宠物

chǒngwù

羊毛

yángmáo

剂量

jìliàng

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use '说明' when giving or requesting instructions, such as in a classroom setting or during a workplace training session. For example, a teacher might say, '请你仔细阅读这份说明' (Please read these instructions carefully) when handing out a new assignment.

Synonyms & nuances

'说明' is often used in contexts requiring detailed explanations, whereas '指示' (zhǐshì) also means instructions but implies a more authoritative tone, often relating to commands or orders. If you're looking to convey a simple or more casual set of instructions, '说明' is the more appropriate choice.

Culture

'说明' combines the characters '说' (to speak) and '明' (to clarify), literally meaning 'to speak clearly.' This reflects the importance of clarity in communication within Chinese culture, especially in educational and business contexts. The term emphasizes not just the act of giving instructions, but doing so in a way that ensures understanding.

FAQ

Q.What does 说明 mean in English?

'说明' translates to 'instructions' or 'explanation' in English and denotes detailed guidance on how to perform a task.

Q.How do you use 说明 in a sentence?

You can use it like this: '我需要一份说明来完成这个项目' (I need a set of instructions to complete this project).

Q.Is 说明 used in formal settings?

'说明' is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings. However, in very formal documents or situations, you might encounter synonyms like '指示' for a more authoritative tone.

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