阐述 (chǎnshù) — to expound; to elaborate
HSK 5 | verb | to expound; to set forth in detail
阐述 (chǎnshù)
阐述 means to explain or expound on something in a systematic and detailed manner, and is a hallmark of formal academic and official discourse in Chinese.
Meanings
- [verb] to expound; to elaborate; to set forth in detail
- [verb] to articulate and explain a position or theory
Example Sentences
教授在讲座中详细阐述了他的研究方法。 Jiàoshòu zài jiǎngzuò zhōng xiángxì chǎnshùle tā de yánjiū fāngfǎ. The professor elaborated on his research methodology in detail during the lecture.
报告阐述了公司未来五年的发展战略。 Bàogào chǎnshùle gōngsī wèilái wǔ nián de fāzhǎn zhànlüè. The report set forth the company's development strategy for the next five years.
他在文章中阐述了自己对这一现象的独到见解。 Tā zài wénzhāng zhōng chǎnshùle zìjǐ duì zhè yī xiànxiàng de dúdào jiànjiě. He articulated his unique insights into this phenomenon in the article.
发言人就此事件向媒体作出了详细阐述。 Fāyán rén jiù cǐ shìjiàn xiàng méitǐ zuòchūle xiángxì chǎnshù. The spokesperson elaborated on the incident in detail for the media.
这本书阐述了现代民主制度的基本原则。 Zhè běn shū chǎnshùle xiàndài mínzhǔ zhìdù de jīběn yuánzé. This book expounds on the fundamental principles of modern democratic systems.
她在答辩中清晰地阐述了论文的核心论点。 Tā zài dábiàn zhōng qīngxī de chǎnshùle lùnwén de héxīn lùndiǎn. She clearly articulated the core arguments of her thesis during the defense.
Collocations
| Collocation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 详细阐述 (xiángxì chǎnshù) | elaborate in detail |
| 阐述观点 (chǎnshù guāndiǎn) | expound on a viewpoint |
| 阐述理论 (chǎnshù lǐlùn) | expound on a theory |
| 作出阐述 (zuòchū chǎnshù) | to give an elaboration |
| 阐述立场 (chǎnshù lìchǎng) | set forth one's position |
| 充分阐述 (chōngfèn chǎnshù) | fully expound |
Usage Notes
阐述 is a distinctly formal verb and is rarely used in casual speech. It implies thoroughness and clarity in explanation, suggesting the speaker or writer has carefully organized their thoughts. It is closely related to 说明 (shuōmíng, to explain) and 解释 (jiěshì, to explain/clarify), but 阐述 is more elevated in register and implies greater depth and systematic treatment.
阐述 frequently appears in academic papers, government reports, and formal speeches in structures like 阐述……的原则/理论/观点 (to expound on principles/theories/viewpoints). At B2, learners should use this word when describing how ideas are formally presented.
Memory Hook
CHAN (阐, to open up/clarify) + SHU (述, to narrate/describe) = to open up and narrate something in full clarity.