Meaning of 解释
Definitions from CC-CEDICT.
- explanation
- to explain
- to interpret
- to resolve
Measure word: 個|个
How to use 解释
解释 works both as a verb and as a noun, and it often appears with 给 to show who you are explaining to. Example: 你能给我解释一下这个词吗？(Nǐ néng gěi wǒ jiěshì yíxià zhège cí ma?) Can you explain this word to me?
Think of 解 (jiě) as untying a knot and 释 (shì) as releasing or letting go. To explain is to untie a confusing idea and set its meaning free for someone else.
Common mistake: Learners often confuse 解释 with 解决 (jiějué). 解释 means to explain a meaning or reason, while 解决 means to solve a problem, so 解决问题 is correct and 解释问题 means explaining what the problem is. Also note that 解 is third tone (jiě) and 释 is fourth tone (shì).
解释 in example sentences
Real sentences from the Tatoeba project, with pinyin and English.
Stroke order for each character
Open a character for its meaning, components and more words.
解 jiě · to divide · 13 strokes
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
- 13
释 shì · to explain · 12 strokes
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
Related words
Words that share a character with 解释.
| 理解 | lǐjiě | to comprehend; to understand |
| 解决 | jiějué | to solve; to resolve; to settle (a problem); to eliminate; to wipe out (an enemy, bandits |
| 解开 | jiěkāi | to untie; to undo |
| 了解 | liǎojiě | to understand; to know about; to learn about; to find out |
| 缓解 | huǎnjiě | to bring relief; to alleviate (a crisis) |
| 解除 | jiěchú | to remove; to sack |
| 解放 | jiěfàng | to liberate; to emancipate |
| 误解 | wùjiě | to misunderstand; misunderstanding |
| 分解 | fēnjiě | to resolve; to decompose |
| 调解 | tiáojiě | to mediate; to bring parties to an agreement |
| 解说 | jiěshuō | to explain (verbally); to give a running commentary |
| 化解 | huàjiě | to dissolve; to resolve (contradictions) |
Questions about 解释
What does 解释 mean?
解释 (jiěshì) means "explanation; to explain" and is used as a verb.
How do you write 解释?
解释 is made of 2 characters: 解 (13 strokes), 释 (12 strokes). That is 25 strokes in total.
Is 解释 an HSK word?
Yes. 解释 is on the HSK 4 vocabulary list of the HSK 3.0 standard.
How is 解释 written in traditional Chinese?
In traditional characters, 解释 is written 解釋.
Can 解释 mean making excuses?
Yes. In arguments, 解释 can mean justifying yourself, and 你不用解释 (nǐ bú yòng jiěshì) means 'You don't need to explain yourself.' The tone of the conversation tells you whether it sounds neutral or defensive.
What is the difference between 解释 and 说明 (shuōmíng)?
解释 focuses on making the meaning or reason behind something clear, often when someone is confused. 说明 is more about stating or describing facts and instructions, as in 说明书 (shuōmíngshū) for an instruction manual.