诠释 (quán shì) — Chinese Word

verb / noun HSK 5

Traditional 詮釋

quán shì

to interpret · to explain · interpretation · explanation

Meaning

诠释 means to interpret, explain, or elucidate the meaning of something, especially texts, concepts, art, or performances. It implies providing a deeper understanding or clarification of something that may not be immediately obvious. The word carries a somewhat formal or academic tone and is often used in literary, philosophical, or artistic contexts.

Usage

Commonly used in formal writing, academic discussions, and cultural criticism. Native speakers use it when discussing how someone understands or presents the meaning of art, literature, theories, or roles. For example, actors 诠释 characters, scholars 诠释 texts, and artists 诠释 themes. It's more sophisticated than simple 解释 (explain).

Examples

01
这位演员完美诠释了这个复杂的角色。
Zhè wèi yǎn yuán wán měi quán shì le zhège fù zá de jué sè.
This actor perfectly interpreted this complex character.
02
每个人对幸福都有自己的诠释。
Měi gè rén duì xìng fú dōu yǒu zì jǐ de quán shì.
Everyone has their own interpretation of happiness.

Characters

Measure words

种zhǒng一种诠释

Common collocations

诠释角色
quán shì jué sè
to interpret a role/character
诠释作品
quán shì zuò pǐn
to interpret a work
深刻诠释
shēn kè quán shì
to interpret profoundly
完美诠释
wán měi quán shì
to interpret perfectly

Antonyms

曲解qū jiěto misinterpret, to distort

Origin

Both characters relate to explanation: 诠 originally meant detailed annotation or commentary, while 释 means to clarify or解开 (untangle). Together they emphasize interpretive explanation.