Meaning
解释 means to make something clear or understandable by providing details, reasons, or clarification. It can refer to both the act of explaining and the explanation itself. This word is commonly used in everyday conversation, academic contexts, and formal writing when someone needs to clarify meaning or give reasons for something.
Usage
Native speakers use 解释 in both casual and formal contexts. It's often followed by the thing being explained (解释原因 'explain the reason', 解释情况 'explain the situation'). When asking for an explanation, people commonly say 请解释一下 'please explain'. The word carries a neutral tone and is appropriate for all registers.
Examples
- 01老师给我们解释了这个语法点。.The teacher explained this grammar point to us.
- 02他的解释很合理，我完全理解了。, .His explanation was very reasonable, and I understood completely.
Characters
Measure words
- 个一个解释
- 种一种解释
Common collocations
- 解释清楚explain clearly
- 解释原因explain the reason
- 作出解释give an explanation
- 需要解释need explanation
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters relate to understanding and clarification: 解 originally meant to untie or解 solve (untangling knots), while 释 meant to release or let go. Together they form the concept of 'releasing understanding' or making something clear.