讲解

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jiǎngjiě: 讲解 - To Explain, To Lecture, To Narrate

Quick Summary

  • Keywords: jiangjie, 讲解, how to say explain in Chinese, Chinese verb for lecture, explain in detail, commentary in Chinese, explain vs shuo ming, what does jiangjie mean, HSK 4 vocabulary.
  • Summary: Learn how to use “讲解” (jiǎngjiě), a key Chinese verb for explaining something in a structured and detailed way. More than a simple “explain,” jiǎngjiě is used when a teacher, expert, or tour guide gives a lecture, commentary, or a step-by-step breakdown. This guide will cover its meaning, cultural context, and practical examples, and clarify the important difference between 讲解 (jiǎngjiě), 说明 (shuōmíng), and 解释 (jiěshì).

Core Meaning

  • Pinyin (with tone marks): jiǎngjiě
  • Part of Speech: Verb / Noun
  • HSK Level: HSK 4
  • Concise Definition: To explain, lecture on, or provide commentary on a topic in detail.
  • In a Nutshell: Think of 讲解 (jiǎngjiě) as “to give a detailed explanation.” It's not for a quick, one-sentence answer. It's the word you use for a professor explaining a scientific theory, a museum guide narrating the history of an artifact, or a friend carefully walking you through the rules of a complex board game. The core idea is a structured, thorough transfer of knowledge to help someone truly understand.

Character Breakdown

  • 讲 (jiǎng): This character means “to speak,” “to say,” or “to tell.” It's the same “jiǎng” found in words like 演讲 (yǎnjiǎng), to give a speech, and 讲课 (jiǎngkè), to give a lesson. It implies a formal or structured form of speaking.
  • 解 (jiě): This character's original meaning is “to untie” or “to unfasten.” Think of untying a knot. Metaphorically, it means to solve a problem, resolve a confusion, or understand something. It's the same “jiě” in 解决 (jiějué), to solve, and 了解 (liǎojiě), to understand.
  • When you combine 讲 (to speak) and 解 (to untie), you get 讲解: “to speak in a way that unties a knot of confusion.” It perfectly captures the act of making a complex topic clear and understandable for others.

Cultural Context and Significance

  • In Chinese culture, there is profound respect for teachers (老师), scholars, and experts. The act of 讲解 (jiǎngjiě) is closely associated with this value. It's not just a neutral act of information transfer; it's a demonstration of knowledge and a service to the listener. The person doing the 讲解 is positioned as the authority on the subject.
  • Comparison to Western Concepts: While it translates to “explain,” it's closer in feel to the English phrases “to give a breakdown,” “to provide commentary,” or “to walk someone through something.” However, 讲解 often carries more formality and an expectation of expertise than its casual English counterparts. If a friend “explains” a movie plot, they might just be chatting. If they 讲解 the plot, they are likely analyzing its themes, structure, and symbolism in a more methodical way.

Practical Usage in Modern China

  • In Education: This is the most common context. A teacher's primary job is to 讲解 texts, grammar points, and concepts to students.
    • 老师在讲解这篇课文。 (Lǎoshī zài jiǎngjiě zhè piān kèwén.) - The teacher is explaining this text.
  • In Professional Settings: A manager might 讲解 a new company strategy, or an engineer might 讲解 how a new piece of equipment works. It implies a formal presentation or training session.
    • 经理向我们讲解了公司未来的发展计划。 (Jīnglǐ xiàng wǒmen jiǎngjiě le gōngsī wèilái de fāzhǎn jìhuà.) - The manager explained the company's future development plan to us.
  • In Tourism and Services: Tour guides 讲解 the history of landmarks. Museum docents 讲解 the stories behind exhibits. A salesperson might 讲解 the complex features of a high-tech product.
    • 导游正在为游客讲解长城的历史。 (Dǎoyóu zhèngzài wèi yóukè jiǎngjiě Chángchéng de lìshǐ.) - The tour guide is explaining the history of the Great Wall to the tourists.
  • As a Noun: 讲解 can also be used as a noun to mean “explanation” or “commentary.”
    • 他的讲解非常清楚，我一下子就懂了。 (Tā de jiǎngjiě fēicháng qīngchu, wǒ yíxiàzi jiù dǒng le.) - His explanation was very clear, I understood it immediately.

Example Sentences

  • Example 1:
    • 教授用了很多生动的例子来讲解这个复杂的理论。
    • Pinyin: Jiàoshòu yòngle hěn duō shēngdòng de lìzi lái jiǎngjiě zhège fùzá de lǐlùn.
    • English: The professor used many vivid examples to explain this complex theory.
    • Analysis: This is a classic academic use of 讲解, emphasizing a detailed explanation of a difficult subject.
  • Example 2:
    • 你能给我讲解一下这个软件怎么用吗？
    • Pinyin: Nǐ néng gěi wǒ jiǎngjiě yíxià zhège ruǎnjiàn zěnme yòng ma?
    • English: Can you explain to me how to use this software?
    • Analysis: Here, “一下 (yíxià)” softens the request, but the use of 讲解 implies the speaker wants a step-by-step walkthrough, not just a quick tip.
  • Example 3:
    • 每次去博物馆，我都喜欢租一个语音导览器来听讲解。
    • Pinyin: Měi cì qù bówùguǎn, wǒ dōu xǐhuān zū yí ge yǔyīn dǎolǎnqì lái tīng jiǎngjiě.
    • English: Every time I go to a museum, I like to rent an audio guide to listen to the commentary.
    • Analysis: This shows 讲解 used as a noun, meaning “commentary” or “detailed explanation.”
  • Example 4:
    • 我们的教练正在讲解下一个战术。
    • Pinyin: Wǒmen de jiàoliàn zhèngzài jiǎngjiě xià yí ge zhànshù.
    • English: Our coach is currently explaining the next tactic.
    • Analysis: Used in a sports context, showing the explanation of a plan or strategy.
  • Example 5:
    • 这位厨师在视频里讲解了制作麻婆豆腐的每一个步骤。
    • Pinyin: Zhè wèi chúshī zài shìpín lǐ jiǎngjiě le zhìzuò mápó dòufu de měi yí ge bùzhòu.
    • English: In the video, this chef explained every step of making Mapo Tofu.
    • Analysis: Perfect for tutorials and how-to guides where a process is broken down.
  • Example 6:
    • 医生的讲解让我明白了我的病情。
    • Pinyin: Yīshēng de jiǎngjiě ràng wǒ míngbai le wǒ de bìngqíng.
    • English: The doctor's explanation made me understand my medical condition.
    • Analysis: Another example of 讲解 as a noun. It highlights the clarity and thoroughness required when explaining important information.
  • Example 7:
    • 他讲解规则的时候，你最好认真听。
    • Pinyin: Tā jiǎngjiě guīzé de shíhou, nǐ zuìhǎo rènzhēn tīng.
    • English: When he explains the rules, you'd better listen carefully.
    • Analysis: This implies the rules are complex and require a detailed explanation to be understood.
  • Example 8:
    • 新员工入职时，人力资源部会讲解公司的规章制度。
    • Pinyin: Xīn yuángōng rùzhí shí, rénlì zīyuán bù huì jiǎngjiě gōngsī de guīzhāng zhìdù.
    • English: When new employees join, the HR department will explain the company's rules and regulations.
    • Analysis: A common and formal use in a business/corporate context.
  • Example 9:
    • 他花了半个小时，才把这个笑话的文化背景讲解清楚。
    • Pinyin: Tā huā le bàn ge xiǎoshí, cái bǎ zhège xiàohuà de wénhuà bèijǐng jiǎngjiě qīngchu.
    • English: He spent half an hour to clearly explain the cultural background of this joke.
    • Analysis: Shows that 讲解 can be time-consuming because it's thorough.
  • Example 10:
    • 谢谢你的耐心讲解！
    • Pinyin: Xièxie nǐ de nàixīn jiǎngjiě!
    • English: Thank you for your patient explanation!
    • Analysis: A polite phrase to thank someone who has taken the time to explain something complex to you.

Nuances and Common Mistakes

  • The most common point of confusion for learners is the difference between 讲解 (jiǎngjiě), 说明 (shuōmíng), and 解释 (jiěshì).
    • 讲解 (jiǎngjiě): For complex topics, processes, or texts. Focuses on teaching and helping someone understand a system or story. Think: lecture, walkthrough, commentary.
    • 说明 (shuōmíng): For stating facts, clarifying instructions, or indicating something. It's more objective and less about a deep-dive. Think: product instructions (产品说明), a caption, stating a reason.
    • 解释 (jiěshì): For clearing up a misunderstanding or defining a specific point/word. It often answers the question “why?” or “what do you mean?”. Think: “Let me explain why I was late,” or “Can you explain this word to me?”
  • Incorrect Usage Example:
    • Incorrect: 你能讲解一下你的名字吗？ (Nǐ néng jiǎngjiě yíxià nǐ de míngzì ma?)
    • Why it's wrong: 讲解 is too formal and heavy for something as simple as a name. It sounds like you're asking for a lecture on the etymology of their name.
    • Correct: 你能说一下你的名字吗？ (Nǐ néng shuō yíxià nǐ de míngzì ma?) or 你能介绍一下自己吗？ (Nǐ néng jièshào yíxià zìjǐ ma?)

Related Terms and Concepts

  • 说明 (shuōmíng) - To state, to illustrate. More for facts and instructions, less for deep understanding.
  • 解释 (jiěshì) - To explain (a reason), to interpret. Used to clear up confusion or explain “why.”
  • 介绍 (jièshào) - To introduce. Used for people, places, and basic overviews, not detailed explanations.
  • 讲课 (jiǎngkè) - To give a lesson, to teach. A specific type of 讲解 performed by a teacher in a classroom.
  • 演讲 (yǎnjiǎng) - To give a speech. A formal public address which often contains sections of 讲解.
  • 解说 (jiěshuō) - To commentate, to explain. Very similar to 讲解, often used for narrating something as it happens, like a sports match or a documentary.
  • 分析 (fēnxī) - To analyze. The process of breaking something down, which often precedes the act of 讲解 (explaining your analysis).