解释 (jiěshì)

解释 means to explain by giving reasons, causes, or the meaning behind something. It is used when someone wants to justify an action, clarify a misunderstanding, or define a concept. As a noun it refers to an explanation or interpretation.

Meanings

[verb] To explain; to interpret; to account for; to justify.
[noun] Explanation; interpretation.

Example Sentences

他详细解释了迟到的原因，大家表示理解。 Tā xiángxì jiěshì le chídào de yuányīn, dàjiā biǎoshì lǐjiě. He explained in detail the reason for his late arrival, and everyone said they understood.

这个词有多种解释，要根据语境来判断。 Zhège cí yǒu duō zhǒng jiěshì, yào gēnjù yǔjìng lái pànduàn. This word has multiple interpretations; you need to judge based on context.

科学家尚未能解释这一现象背后的机制。 Kēxuéjiā shàngwèi néng jiěshì zhè yī xiànxiàng bèihòu de jīzhì. Scientists have not yet been able to explain the mechanism behind this phenomenon.

她试图解释自己的立场，但对方并不接受。 Tā shìtú jiěshì zìjǐ de lìchǎng, dàn duìfāng bìng bù jiēshòu. She tried to explain her position, but the other party did not accept it.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
详细解释	explain in detail
解释原因	explain the reason
合理解释	reasonable explanation
做出解释	give an explanation
无法解释	unable to explain; inexplicable

Usage Notes

解释 and 说明 are often confused. 解释 focuses on giving reasons or justifications, especially for something that needs clarification or defense (like why you were late). 说明 focuses on describing how something works or demonstrating that something is true. In addition, 解释 can mean "to interpret" (a poem, a text, a law), while 说明 is used for instructions and factual descriptions.

Memory Hook

解 means "to untie/dissolve" and 释 also means "to release/explain." To explain something is to untie all the knotted confusion and release the meaning clearly into the open.