说明 (shuōmíng)

说明 means to explain or make something clear through words. As a noun it refers to an explanation, a description, or an instruction manual (such as a product manual). It is a very versatile word used in both spoken and written Chinese.

Meanings

[verb] To explain; to illustrate; to demonstrate; to show.
[noun] Explanation; description; instruction manual.

Example Sentences

请你说明一下这个计划的具体步骤。 Qǐng nǐ shuōmíng yīxià zhège jìhuà de jùtǐ bùzhòu. Please explain the specific steps of this plan.

这份使用说明书写得非常清楚。 Zhè fèn shǐyòng shuōmíng shū xiě de fēicháng qīngchǔ. This instruction manual is written very clearly.

他的成功说明了努力的重要性。 Tā de chénggōng shuōmíng le nǔlì de zhòngyào xìng. His success demonstrates the importance of hard work.

在填写申请表之前，请仔细阅读说明。 Zài tiánxiě shēnqǐng biǎo zhīqián, qǐng zǐxì yuèdú shuōmíng. Please read the instructions carefully before filling out the application form.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
使用说明	instructions for use
说明书	instruction manual; prospectus
说明情况	explain the situation
详细说明	explain in detail
说明问题	illustrate a problem / prove a point

Usage Notes

说明 (verb) differs subtly from 解释 (jiěshì). 说明 often presents facts or evidence to demonstrate that something is true or to describe how something works. 解释 focuses more on giving reasons or justifications for something that happened. For instance, 这说明他是认真的 (This shows he is serious) uses 说明 to draw a factual conclusion, whereas 他解释了为什么迟到 (He explained why he was late) uses 解释 to give a reason.

Memory Hook

说 means "to speak" and 明 means "clear/bright." To 说明 something is to speak until it becomes bright and clear in the listener's mind.