Dictionary
English - Chinese
Explain
ɪkˈspleɪn
Extremely common
500 - 600
500 - 600
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
解释, 说明, 阐明, 说明清楚, 解说
Explain meanings in Chinese
解释
Example:
Can you explain the concept to me?
你能把这个概念解释给我吗？
I need you to explain your reasons.
我需要你解释一下你的理由。
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used in both academic and casual situations where clarification is needed.
Note: This is the most common meaning of 'explain', often used in educational contexts.
说明
Example:
The teacher will explain the homework assignment.
老师会说明作业的要求。
He explained the rules of the game.
他说明了游戏的规则。
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used in contexts where details or procedures need to be outlined.
Note: This term emphasizes the act of clarifying or outlining information.
阐明
Example:
She explained her point of view very clearly.
她阐明了自己的观点。
The report explains the findings of the research.
这份报告阐明了研究的结果。
Usage: formalContext: Typically used in academic or professional settings to convey clarity of complex ideas.
Note: This word is often used when discussing theories or detailed analysis.
说明清楚
Example:
Please explain it clearly so everyone understands.
请说明清楚，让每个人都能理解。
The manager explained the project steps clearly.
经理清楚地说明了项目步骤。
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used when the clarity of explanation is emphasized.
Note: This phrase is used when it's important to ensure that the explanation is easily understood.
解说
Example:
He explained the documentary during the screening.
他在放映期间解说了这部纪录片。
The guide will explain the history of the site.
导游会解说这个地点的历史。
Usage: formal/informalContext: Often used in contexts related to performances, documentaries, or guided tours.
Note: This word is commonly associated with narrating or providing commentary.
Explain's synonyms
clarify
To make something clear or easy to understand by explaining it further or in more detail.
Example: Can you clarify your point about the new project timeline?
Note: Clarify often implies providing additional details to enhance understanding.
elucidate
To explain something in a way that makes it clear and understandable.
Example: The professor elucidated the complex theory with simple examples.
Note: Elucidate is often used in formal or academic contexts to convey a deeper level of explanation.
expound
To present or explain an idea or theory in detail.
Example: The author expounded on the themes of love and loss in her novel.
Note: Expound is used when discussing complex or detailed topics in a thorough manner.
interpret
To explain the meaning of something by providing one's own understanding or analysis.
Example: The art historian interpreted the painting as a commentary on political corruption.
Note: Interpret often involves offering a personal perspective or analysis of the subject being explained.
Explain expressions, common phrases
Break it down
To explain something in simpler or more detailed terms.
Example: Can you break down the steps for me?
Note: This phrase implies a more detailed explanation or simplification.
Put it simply
To explain something in a straightforward or easy-to-understand manner.
Example: Let me put it simply, we need to finish by Friday.
Note: This phrase suggests making the explanation easier to grasp.
Spell it out
To explain something clearly and in detail.
Example: I need you to spell out what you mean by 'restructuring'.
Note: This phrase emphasizes the need for explicit and detailed explanation.
Lay it out
To explain or present something clearly and systematically.
Example: Could you lay out the plan for the project?
Note: This phrase suggests presenting the explanation in an organized manner.
Make it clear
To provide an explanation that removes any ambiguity or confusion.
Example: Please make it clear why this decision was made.
Note: This phrase emphasizes the need to remove any doubt or uncertainty in the explanation.
Break it to me gently
To explain something difficult or unpleasant in a sensitive way.
Example: I know it's bad news, but can you break it to me gently?
Note: This phrase implies delivering a delicate explanation, especially for sensitive topics.
Get the message across
To explain or communicate something effectively so that it is understood.
Example: I need to get the message across that we must work harder.
Note: This phrase emphasizes the successful delivery and understanding of the explanation.
Put into perspective
To provide an explanation that helps understand the relative importance or significance of something.
Example: Let's put this situation into perspective by considering all angles.
Note: This phrase involves offering an explanation that contextualizes or frames the subject matter.
Explain everyday (slang) expressions
Break it down for me
This phrase means to explain something in simpler or more detailed terms to aid comprehension.
Example: Can you break it down for me? I'm having trouble understanding.
Note: Similar to 'explain', but emphasizes the need to simplify or provide more detail.
Tell me in plain English
This expression requests for an explanation to be given in simple, easy-to-understand language without jargon or technical terms.
Example: Can you tell me in plain English what you mean by that?
Note: Focuses on using everyday language for explanation rather than technical or complex terms.
Give me the lowdown
This slang term means to provide a detailed explanation or summary of a situation or event.
Example: Give me the lowdown on what happened at the meeting.
Note: Informal way of asking for a detailed explanation or summary of a topic.
Can you shed some light on that?
This idiom asks for an explanation or clarification to help understand a topic or situation better.
Example: I'm a bit confused; can you shed some light on that concept for me?
Note: Suggests requesting further information or clarification to understand something clearly.
Explain - Examples
Explain to me how this works.
请向我解释一下这个是如何运作的。
Can you please explain why you did that?
你能请解释一下你为什么那样做吗？
She tried to interpret the poem and explain its meaning.
她试图解读这首诗并解释它的意义。
Explain grammar
Explain - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)
Lemma: explain
Conjugations
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): explained
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): explaining
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): explains
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): explain
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): explain
Syllables, Separation and Stress
explain Contains 2 syllables: ex • plain
Phonetic transcription: ik-ˈsplān
ex plain , ik ˈsplān (The red syllable is stressed)
Explain - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
explain: 500 - 600 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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