shuōmíng: 说明 - To Explain, Explanation, Instructions

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• Summary: Learn the essential Chinese word 说明 (shuōmíng), which serves as both a verb meaning 'to explain' and a noun meaning 'explanation' or 'instructions.' This comprehensive guide covers its meaning, character breakdown, and practical use in daily life, from asking for an explanation in a conversation to reading a user manual (说明书). Understand the key difference between 说明 (shuōmíng) and a similar word, 解释 (jiěshì), to make your Mandarin more precise. This page is perfect for HSK 3 learners and anyone aiming to communicate more clearly in Chinese.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): shuōmíng
• Part of Speech: Verb, Noun
• HSK Level: HSK 3
• Concise Definition: To make something clear through words or text; an explanation, description, or set of instructions.
• In a Nutshell: Think of `说明` as “speaking to make things bright and clear.” It's a straightforward term used to present facts, lay out steps, or describe how something works. The goal of a `说明` is clarity and objectivity. It's less about justifying actions or clearing up personal misunderstandings, and more about providing clear, factual information.

• 说 (shuō): This character means “to speak” or “to say.” The left side (讠) is the “speech” radical, and the right side (兑) provides the pronunciation. It fundamentally represents the act of verbal communication.
• 明 (míng): This character means “bright,” “light,” or “clear.” It's a combination of the sun (日) and the moon (月), the two brightest objects in the sky. Together, they symbolize ultimate clarity and understanding.
• When combined, 说明 (shuōmíng) literally means “to speak with clarity” or “to speak until something is bright/understood.” This beautifully captures its essence of making information clear and easy to comprehend.

While `说明` doesn't carry the deep philosophical weight of terms like `关系 (guānxi)`, its cultural importance lies in its emphasis on clarity, directness, and responsibility. In Chinese business, academic, and technical contexts, providing a clear and thorough `说明` is a sign of competence and professionalism. It reflects a value for efficiency and the prevention of ambiguity. Unlike in some Western contexts where a sales pitch might be more about persuasion, a `产品说明 (chǎnpǐn shuōmíng)` (product description) is expected to be factual and exhaustive. This contrasts with a concept like “reading between the lines,” which is important in social situations. When it comes to tasks, rules, or products, ambiguity is not appreciated. A good `说明` is a tool that removes doubt and ensures everyone is on the same page, reflecting a practical approach to communication in formal and task-oriented settings.

`说明` is a high-frequency word used in various everyday situations.

• As a Verb (to explain/illustrate): This is used when you need to state facts, describe a process, or show what something means. It's common in more formal or objective situations.
  • “Let me explain the plan.” - `我来说明一下计划。`
  • “This data shows…” - `这个数据说明了…`
• As a Noun (explanation/description): This refers to the content of the explanation itself.
  • “I need a clear explanation.” - `我需要一个清楚的说明。`
  • “The product description is on the box.” - `产品说明在盒子上。`
• As “Instructions” or “Manual”: This is one of the most common uses for learners to encounter. It is frequently seen on packaging, in official documents, and in the compound word 说明书 (shuōmíngshū).
  • “Read the instructions before use.” - `使用前请阅读说明。`
  • “Where is the instruction manual?” - `说明书在哪里？`

• Example 1:
  • 你能给我说明一下这个规定吗？
  • Pinyin: Nǐ néng gěi wǒ shuōmíng yīxià zhège guīdìng ma?
  • English: Can you explain this regulation to me?
  • Analysis: Here, `说明` is used as a verb to request a factual, objective explanation of a rule. It's a polite and standard way to ask for clarification.
• Example 2:
  • 这个图表说明了我们公司 पिछले季度的销售增长。
  • Pinyin: Zhège túbiǎo shuōmíng le wǒmen gōngsī shàng ge jìdù de xiāoshòu zēngzhǎng.
  • English: This chart illustrates our company's sales growth in the last quarter.
  • Analysis: `说明` here means “to show,” “to illustrate,” or “to demonstrate.” It's used to describe what a piece of data or evidence points to.
• Example 3:
  • 组装家具前，请仔细阅读说明书。
  • Pinyin: Zǔzhuāng jiājù qián, qǐng zǐxì yuèdú shuōmíngshū.
  • English: Before assembling the furniture, please carefully read the instruction manual.
  • Analysis: This example shows the extremely common compound word `说明书 (shuōmíngshū)`, which directly translates to “instruction manual.” `书 (shū)` means book or document.
• Example 4:
  • 他的行为说明他并不在乎。
  • Pinyin: Tā de xíngwéi shuōmíng tā bìng bù zàihū.
  • English: His actions show that he doesn't really care.
  • Analysis: In this context, `说明` acts like “to indicate” or “to be evidence of.” The actions serve as the factual basis for the conclusion.
• Example 5:
  • 包装上应该有成分说明。
  • Pinyin: Bāozhuāng shàng yīnggāi yǒu chéngfèn shuōmíng.
  • English: There should be an ingredient description on the packaging.
  • Analysis: Here, `说明` is a noun meaning “description” or “list of specifications.” It's an official piece of information.
• Example 6:
  • 让我来说明一下会议的议程。
  • Pinyin: Ràng wǒ lái shuōmíng yīxià huìyì de yìchéng.
  • English: Let me explain the meeting's agenda.
  • Analysis: This is a typical formal use in a business or official setting. The speaker is about to lay out the facts of the agenda, not justify or debate it.
• Example 7:
  • 如果没有特别说明，活动将于上午九点开始。
  • Pinyin: Rúguǒ méiyǒu tèbié shuōmíng, huódòng jiāng yú shàngwǔ jiǔ diǎn kāishǐ.
  • English: Unless otherwise specified, the event will begin at 9 AM.
  • Analysis: Here, `说明` is a noun meaning “specification” or “notice.” `特别说明` means “special notice” or “specific instructions.”
• Example 8:
  • 这个实验的结果说明了理论是正确的。
  • Pinyin: Zhège shíyàn de jiéguǒ shuōmíng le lǐlùn shì zhèngquè de.
  • English: The results of this experiment prove that the theory is correct.
  • Analysis: `说明` is used to mean “to prove” or “to demonstrate the truth of.” It links evidence (the result) to a conclusion (the theory).
• Example 9:
  • 你能用更简单的话说明吗？
  • Pinyin: Nǐ néng yòng gèng jiǎndān de huà shuōmíng ma?
  • English: Can you explain it in simpler terms?
  • Analysis: A very practical sentence for a learner. This is a request to re-state information more clearly, which is the core function of `说明`.
• Example 10:
  • 我对他们的官方说明表示怀疑。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ duì tāmen de guānfāng shuōmíng biǎoshì huáiyí.
  • English: I am skeptical of their official explanation.
  • Analysis: This uses `说明` as a noun to refer to a formal, public statement or explanation issued by an organization.

The most common point of confusion for learners is the difference between 说明 (shuōmíng) and 解释 (jiěshì). Both can be translated as “to explain.”

• 说明 (shuōmíng): To state the facts, to clarify “what” or “how.”
  • It's objective and descriptive.
  • Use it for instructions, product features, data, or clarifying a process.
  • Focus: Clarity.
  • Example: `请说明这个洗衣机怎么用。` (Please explain how to use this washing machine.) → You want the operational steps.
• 解释 (jiěshì): To explain the reason, to clarify “why.”
  • It's often subjective and analytical.
  • Use it to clear up a misunderstanding, justify an action, or give a reason for something.
  • Focus: Resolution of doubt or confusion.
  • Example: `你为什么迟到？请你解释一下。` (Why are you late? Please explain.) → You want the reason or excuse.

Common Mistake: Using `说明` when you need to give an excuse.

• Incorrect/Unnatural: `对不起，我迟到了，让我说明一下。` (Sorry I'm late, let me state the facts.) This sounds cold and impersonal, as if you're just stating the fact of your lateness rather than giving a reason for it.
• Correct: `对不起，我迟到了，让我解释一下。` (Sorry I'm late, let me explain why.) This is the natural way to offer a reason or apology.

• `解释 (jiěshì)` - A close synonym, but used to explain “why” something happened, often to resolve a misunderstanding or provide a reason. More subjective than `说明`.
• `说明书 (shuōmíngshū)` - A direct compound noun meaning “instruction manual” or “leaflet.”
• `介绍 (jièshào)` - To introduce. Used for introducing people, places, or general concepts for the first time, rather than explaining details.
• `讲解 (jiǎngjiě)` - To explain in a detailed, instructional way, like a teacher in a classroom or a tour guide at a museum.
• `表示 (biǎoshì)` - To express, show, or indicate, usually an opinion, feeling, or intention. It's about conveying an internal state, not explaining external facts.
• `证明 (zhèngmíng)` - To prove. This is stronger than `说明`. It requires evidence to definitively establish a fact, while `说明` can simply be stating information.
• `描述 (miáoshù)` - To describe. Focuses on painting a picture with words, detailing the appearance or characteristics of something.