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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'to explain' with 解释 (jiěshì)

    Actions & Events
    Purpose & Reason

    Structure

    Subject + 解释 + Content

    Explanation

    The verb 解释 (jiěshì) means 'to explain' and is used when someone clarifies a situation, provides reasoning, or makes something understandable. It can take a direct object or be followed by a clause describing what is being explained. It is common in both spoken and written Chinese.

    Examples

    • 你能解释一下这个词的意思吗？

      nǐ néng jiěshì yíxià zhège cí de yìsi ma?

      Can you explain the meaning of this word?

    • 他花了很长时间向我解释为什么要换工作。

      tā huā le hěn cháng shíjiān xiàng wǒ jiěshì wèishéme yào huàn gōngzuò.

      He spent a long time explaining to me why he wanted to change jobs.

    • 老师解释了这道题的解题思路，大家都听懂了。

      lǎoshī jiěshì le zhè dào tí de jiětí sīlù, dàjiā dōu tīngdǒng le.

      The teacher explained the approach to solving the problem, and everyone understood.

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    Expressing 'to explain' with 解释 (jiěshì) | Chinese Grammar