jiěshì: 解释 - To Explain, Explanation, To Interpret

• Keywords: 解释, jieshi, jiěshì, how to say explain in Chinese, explanation in Chinese, Chinese verb for explain, meaning of jieshi, interpret in Chinese, 解释 vs 说明, Chinese grammar, HSK 3 vocabulary
• Summary: Learn the essential Chinese word 解释 (jiěshì), which means “to explain” or “explanation.” This versatile term is fundamental for daily communication, used for everything from asking for clarification and justifying your actions to interpreting complex ideas. This guide breaks down its meaning, cultural nuances, and practical use with many examples, helping you master how to give and ask for an “explanation” in Mandarin Chinese.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): jiěshì
• Part of Speech: Verb, Noun
• HSK Level: HSK 3
• Concise Definition: To explain or interpret something; an explanation or interpretation.
• In a Nutshell: 解释 (jiěshì) is the word you use when you need to make something clear. Think of it as answering the question “Why?” or “What does this mean?”. It's about breaking down a situation, a reason, or a complex idea so that someone else can understand. Whether you're explaining why you're late or trying to understand a new grammar point, 解释 is the tool you'll need.

• 解 (jiě): This character's original meaning is “to untie,” “to loosen,” or “to solve.” Picture untying a difficult knot. It's the same character used in “to solve a problem” (解决, jiějué) and “to understand” (了解, liǎojiě).
• 释 (shì): This character means “to release” or “to clarify.” It implies letting go of something, like releasing a prisoner or, in this case, releasing understanding from confusion.

When combined, 解释 (jiěshì) literally means “to untie and release.” This creates a powerful image: you are untying the knots of confusion and releasing the meaning for someone to grasp. It's about deconstructing a complex or unclear issue into simple, understandable parts.

In communication, the goal of a good 解释 (jiěshì) is often to maintain social harmony and avoid misunderstanding. While Western cultures, particularly American, often value blunt directness, Chinese culture can favor more indirect communication to protect everyone's “face” or dignity (面子, miànzi). For example, instead of a direct “No, I can't help you,” a person might provide a lengthy 解释 about their busy schedule or other obstacles. To a Westerner, this might sound like a weak excuse. However, in a Chinese context, this explanation is a sign of respect. It conveys the refusal without being confrontational, showing that the person values the relationship enough to take the time to explain the circumstances. A good 解释 can clarify one's intentions, smooth over a potential conflict, and demonstrate sincerity.

解释 is an everyday word used in a wide range of situations, from casual to formal.

• As a Verb (to explain): This is its most common use. You can ask someone to explain something, or you can offer an explanation yourself.
  • Asking for help: “老师，您能解释一下这个词吗？” (Lǎoshī, nín néng jiěshì yīxià zhège cí ma? - Teacher, can you explain this word?)
  • Justifying an action: “你听我解释，我迟到是因为堵车了。” (Nǐ tīng wǒ jiěshì, wǒ chídào shì yīnwèi dǔchē le. - Listen to my explanation, I was late because of a traffic jam.)
• As a Noun (an explanation): It can also refer to the explanation itself.
  • “我需要一个合理的解释。” (Wǒ xūyào yīgè hélǐ de jiěshì. - I need a reasonable explanation.)
  • “他的解释很清楚。” (Tā de jiěshì hěn qīngchǔ. - His explanation is very clear.)

It is neutral in connotation and is appropriate for conversations with friends, family, teachers, and colleagues.

• Example 1:
  • 这个问题有点复杂，请你给我解释一下。
  • Pinyin: Zhège wèntí yǒudiǎn fùzá, qǐng nǐ gěi wǒ jiěshì yīxià.
  • English: This problem is a bit complicated, please explain it to me.
  • Analysis: A common and polite way to ask for an explanation. The phrase “一下 (yīxià)” softens the request, making it sound more casual.
• Example 2:
  • 你不用解释了，我都明白。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ bùyòng jiěshì le, wǒ dōu míngbái.
  • English: You don't need to explain anymore, I understand everything.
  • Analysis: This sentence can be used either reassuringly (e.g., “It's okay, I get it”) or dismissively (e.g., “Stop talking, I've heard enough”). Context is key.
• Example 3:
  • 他为自己的迟到做出了解释。
  • Pinyin: Tā wèi zìjǐ de chídào zuòchū le jiěshì.
  • English: He gave an explanation for being late.
  • Analysis: Here, 解释 is used as a noun. “做出解释 (zuòchū jiěshì)” is a common collocation meaning “to provide an explanation.”
• Example 4:
  • 这部电影的结局有多种解释。
  • Pinyin: Zhè bù diànyǐng de jiéjú yǒu duōzhǒng jiěshì.
  • English: The ending of this movie has multiple interpretations.
  • Analysis: This shows 解释 used in the sense of “interpretation,” particularly for art, literature, or ambiguous situations.
• Example 5:
  • 你能解释一下这个汉字的意思吗？
  • Pinyin: Nǐ néng jiěshì yīxià zhège Hànzì de yìsi ma?
  • English: Can you explain the meaning of this Chinese character?
  • Analysis: A must-know sentence for any language learner. It's a direct and practical way to ask for help.
• Example 6:
  • 这只是一个误会，请听我解释。
  • Pinyin: Zhè zhǐshì yīgè wùhuì, qǐng tīng wǒ jiěshì.
  • English: This is just a misunderstanding, please listen to my explanation.
  • Analysis: 解释 is crucial for clearing up misunderstandings (误会, wùhuì). This is a very common phrase in dramas and real life.
• Example 7:
  • 科学无法解释所有的现象。
  • Pinyin: Kēxué wúfǎ jiěshì suǒyǒu de xiànxiàng.
  • English: Science cannot explain all phenomena.
  • Analysis: This demonstrates the use of 解释 in a more formal, academic, or philosophical context. “无法解释 (wúfǎ jiěshì)” means “cannot explain” or “inexplicable.”
• Example 8:
  • 对于这件事，你必须给我一个解释！
  • Pinyin: Duìyú zhè jiàn shì, nǐ bìxū gěi wǒ yīgè jiěshì!
  • English: You must give me an explanation for this matter!
  • Analysis: This shows a more forceful, demanding tone. Here, 解释 as a noun is something that is owed to the speaker.
• Example 9:
  • 他的解释听起来不太可信。
  • Pinyin: Tā de jiěshì tīngqǐlái bù tài kěxìn.
  • English: His explanation doesn't sound very credible.
  • Analysis: Using 解释 as a noun. This sentence is useful for expressing doubt about the reason someone has given you.
• Example 10:
  • 律师正在向法官解释案件的细节。
  • Pinyin: Lǜshī zhèngzài xiàng fǎguān jiěshì ànjiàn de xìjié.
  • English: The lawyer is explaining the details of the case to the judge.
  • Analysis: This highlights the use of 解释 in a formal, professional setting. The structure “向 [person] 解释 (xiàng [person] jiěshì)” means “to explain to [person].”

The most common point of confusion for learners is the difference between 解释 (jiěshì) and 说明 (shuōmíng). They can both be translated as “to explain,” but they have different focuses.

• 解释 (jiěshì): Explains the “Why” or clarifies ambiguity.
  • Focus: Resolving doubt, justifying an action, clarifying a misunderstanding, interpreting a complex meaning.
  • Think: Untying a knot of confusion.
  • Use when: You need to explain why you were late, why you made a mistake, or what a difficult poem means.
• 说明 (shuōmíng): Explains the “What” or “How.”
  • Focus: Stating facts, describing a process, illustrating a point, giving instructions. It's more objective and descriptive.
  • Think: Laying out the facts or steps on a table.
  • Use when: You need to explain what the new company policy is, how to operate a machine, or what the data shows.

Common Mistake Example:

• Incorrect: 请你解释一下怎么用这个打印机。(Qǐng nǐ jiěshì yīxià zěnme yòng zhège dǎyìnjī.)
• Why it's wrong: Using the printer is a set of instructions or a process. There is no ambiguity or “why” to resolve. You are describing objective steps.
• Correct: 请你说明一下怎么用这个打印机。(Qǐng nǐ shuōmíng yīxià zěnme yòng zhège dǎyìnjī. - Please explain/demonstrate how to use this printer.)
• Incorrect: 我来说明一下我为什么迟到了。(Wǒ lái shuōmíng yīxià wǒ wèishénme chídào le.)
• Why it's wrong: You are justifying your lateness, which involves reasons and clearing up potential negative judgment. This requires 解释.
• Correct: 我来解释一下我为什么迟到了。(Wǒ lái jiěshì yīxià wǒ wèishénme chídào le. - Let me explain why I was late.)

• 说明 (shuōmíng) - A close synonym that means “to explain” or “to illustrate,” but focuses on objectively stating facts or processes (the “what” and “how”).
• 讲解 (jiǎngjiě) - To explain by lecturing or teaching. More formal than 解释, often used by a teacher for a text or a guide for a scenic spot.
• 翻译 (fānyì) - To translate or interpret between languages. A very specific type of explanation.
• 理由 (lǐyóu) - Reason; justification. The content of an 解释 is often your 理由.
• 误会 (wùhuì) - Misunderstanding. A situation that frequently requires an 解释 to resolve.
• 道歉 (dàoqiàn) - To apologize. An apology is often followed by an 解释 to explain what happened.
• 阐述 (chǎnshù) - To elaborate; to expound. A very formal and written-style word for giving a detailed, systematic explanation.
• 分析 (fēnxī) - To analyze. While an analysis can be a form of explanation, it specifically involves breaking something down into its constituent parts to study it.