Understanding "解释" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 解释
• Pinyin: jiě shì
• Literal Meaning: "解" means "to untie" or "to resolve," and "释" means "to release" or "to explain." Together, they convey the idea of "untying" a problem or confusion by providing clarity.
• Primary Meaning: "解释" means "to explain," "to interpret," or "to clarify." It refers to making something understandable by describing or justifying it.

2. In-depth Explanation

• Context and Usage:
• "解释" is commonly used in both formal and informal settings to describe the act of explaining or justifying something. It can refer to clarifying a concept, defending a position, or providing reasons for an action.
• It is often paired with words like "清楚" (clearly) or "原因" (reason) to emphasize thoroughness, e.g., "解释清楚" (explain clearly).

• In disputes or misunderstandings, "解释" can imply an attempt to resolve confusion or defend oneself.

• Character Breakdown:

• 解 (jiě): Means "to untie," "to solve," or "to separate." It suggests breaking down complexity into understandable parts.
• 释 (shì): Means "to release," "to let go," or "to explain." It implies freeing someone from confusion by providing an explanation.

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 你能解释一下这个问题吗？
   Pinyin: Nǐ néng jiěshì yīxià zhège wèntí ma?
   English: Can you explain this problem?

2. Chinese: 他试图解释他迟到的原因。
   Pinyin: Tā shìtú jiěshì tā chídào de yuányīn.
   English: He tried to explain the reason for his lateness.

3. Chinese: 老师用简单的例子解释了复杂的理论。
   Pinyin: Lǎoshī yòng jiǎndān de lìzi jiěshìle fùzá de lǐlùn.
   English: The teacher used simple examples to explain the complex theory.

Cultural Notes

• In Chinese culture, "解释" is often seen as a way to maintain harmony in relationships. Offering a clear explanation can prevent misunderstandings and show respect for others' feelings.
• In formal contexts, such as academic or professional settings, providing a thorough "解释" is highly valued as it demonstrates competence and thoughtfulness.

Conclusion

"解释" (jiě shì) is a versatile word meaning "to explain" or "to clarify." By breaking down its characters and understanding its usage in sentences, learners can effectively incorporate it into their Chinese communication. Remember, a good "解释" can resolve confusion and foster better understanding!