Translation guide
The English verb 'explain' covers giving reasons, describing how something works, clarifying meaning, and justifying actions. Japanese uses different verbs and patterns depending on what is being explained and to whom.
説明してくれますか？
Can you explain?
簡単に説明して。
Explain it simply.
To tell someone why something happened or why you did something.
The most general verb for 'explain'. Used for giving reasons, describing situations, or providing information. Neutral formality.
遅刻の理由を説明してください。
Please explain the reason for your lateness.
He didn't explain why he quit.
Literally 'make an excuse'. Used when explaining your own actions, often with a defensive nuance. Can sound like you're justifying yourself.
Can sound defensive or like making excuses if overused.
遅れたことを言い訳した。
I made an excuse for being late.
A pattern meaning 'The reason is...' or 'It's because...'. Used to give an explanation after stating a fact.
昨日休みました。なぜかというと、熱があったからです。
I took the day off yesterday. The reason is, I had a fever.
To give instructions or clarify a process, system, or method.
Again the default verb. Use with 〜のやり方 (how to do) or 〜の仕組み (mechanism).
この機械の使い方を説明します。
I'll explain how to use this machine.
システムの仕組みを説明してもらえますか？
Could you explain how the system works?
More formal or detailed explanation, often used for commentary, analysis, or expert explanation. Common in media, textbooks.
専門家が経済の動向を解説した。
The expert explained the economic trends.
Means 'teach' or 'tell'. In casual contexts, it can replace 'explain' when showing someone how to do something.
To make something easier to understand, especially words, concepts, or intentions.
Works for clarifying meaning.
この言葉の意味を説明してください。
Please explain the meaning of this word.
Means 'to paraphrase' or 'put in other words'. Useful when re-explaining something in simpler terms.
難しいので、もっと簡単に言い換えてください。
It's difficult, so please explain it in simpler terms.
Means 'interpret'. Used for explaining the meaning of a text, law, or artistic work. Formal.
この条文はどう解釈すればいいですか？
How should we interpret this clause?
To give a reason for behavior, often when facing criticism or questioning.
Neutral. Can be used in formal situations like explaining to a boss.
なぜそうしたのか説明しなければならない。
I have to explain why I did that.
Means 'justify oneself' or 'defend one's actions'. Has a nuance of making excuses. Often used in negative contexts.
Can sound defensive.
彼は自分の行動を弁解しようとした。
He tried to justify his actions.
A more emphatic 'explain oneself' or 'clear one's name'. Rare in daily conversation.
彼は潔白を言い開きした。
He explained himself to prove his innocence.
説明する is 'explain' in a broad sense. 教える means 'teach' or 'inform'. When you want someone to show you how to do something, 教える is often more natural. For abstract concepts or detailed reasoning, use 説明する.
駅への道を教えてください。
Please tell me the way to the station. (Not 説明する)
For giving directions or telling someone a fact, 教える or 言う (to say) is often more natural. 説明する implies a more detailed or structured explanation.
彼は私に状況を説明した。
He explained the situation to me.
うまく説明できない。
I can't explain it well.
このゲームのルールを教えて。
Explain the rules of this game to me. (lit. Teach me the rules.)