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March 24, 2026
解释(解釋)jiěshì(jie3shi4)
解释 (jiě shì) means 'to explain' or 'to interpret.' It is commonly used in educational contexts when discussing the clarification of concepts or terms, as well as in everyday conversations when someone seeks to understand an idea or situation better.
Frequency#555DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese education, the act of explaining is highly valued, as teachers often encourage students to seek clarification. This reflects a cultural emphasis on understanding and mastery of knowledge rather than rote memorization.
Memory Tip
Imagine a teacher (the character 讲, which has the idea of speaking) standing in front of a chalkboard explaining a difficult concept. The character 解释 is like the teacher breaking down complex ideas into understandable segments, making them clearer.
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AI Study Notes for 解释
Quick Contrast
阐明 (chǎnmíng) vs 解释 (jiěshì) — use 解释 for general explanations and阐明 for more formal or detailed clarifications.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a teacher (the character 讲, which has the idea of speaking) standing in front of a chalkboard explaining a difficult concept. The character 解释 is like the teacher breaking down complex ideas into understandable segments, making them clearer.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 解释 with 说明 (shuō míng), which also means 'to explain' but implies more detailed elaboration. 解释 is more straightforward, while 说明 may include a narrative context. Additionally, remember to use it in appropriate contexts, as it is more formal than casual terms like 说 (shuō).
HSK Study Tips
At HSK Level 4, students are expected to understand and use verbs related to communication. Focus on distinguishing 解释 from similar verbs and practice forming sentences that require explanation or interpretation of concepts.
Cultural Note
In Chinese education, the act of explaining is highly valued, as teachers often encourage students to seek clarification. This reflects a cultural emphasis on understanding and mastery of knowledge rather than rote memorization.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 解释 with the verb 说 (shuō), using them interchangeably. For example, saying '我可以说这个问题' instead of '我可以解释这个问题' is incorrect; the latter is more accurate when clarifying a concept.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 解释
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Grammar Patterns of 解释
解释 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 5 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
In Chinese education, the act of explaining is highly valued, as teachers often encourage students to seek clarification. This reflects a cultural emphasis on understanding and mastery of knowledge rather than rote memorization.
Frequently Asked Questions about 解释
You can say '请你解释一下这个问题' (Qǐng nǐ jiě shì yí xià zhè ge wèn tí), which means 'Please explain this question.'
解释 is generally more formal and is often used in academic or professional contexts.
解释 is used for straightforward explanations, while 说明 implies a more detailed or narrative explanation.
