Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "説明", "解説", "弁明", "釈明"
All represent the core concept "explanation", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
説明
せつめい (setsumei)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
解説
かいせつ (kaisetsu)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
弁明
べんめい (benmei)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
釈明
しゃくめい (shakumei)
N3 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "explanation" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "説明", "解説", "弁明", "釈明" based on context.
- 説明 (せつめい (setsumei) - Level: N4): Maps to "explanation, description" and is used when The act of clarifying or describing something. Often used with する.
- 解説 (かいせつ (kaisetsu) - Level: N3): Maps to "explanation; commentary; exposition" and is used when Refers to providing an explanation, commentary, or exposition on a complex topic, news, or question. Can be used with する as a verb.
- 弁明 (べんめい (benmei) - Level: N3): Maps to "explanation; defense; vindication; clarification of motives" and is used when Refers to making a formal explanation, defense, vindication, or clarification of one's motives/circumstances to clear up misunderstandings. Often used with する as a verb.
- 釈明 (しゃくめい (shakumei) - Level: N3): Maps to "explanation; clarification; excusing oneself; apology/vindication" and is used when Refers to explaining, clarifying, or excusing one's actions, particularly when a public figure or worker is suspected of wrongdoing or causes a problem. Often used as 釈明会見. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Explanation! Give me a clear explanation about why you were smiling at that girl from the accounting department! ...っ, I am NOT jealous! I just care about organizational order!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『釈明しなさい！経理の女の子に向かって、何でそんなに嬉しそうにデレデレ微笑みかけてたのよ！釈明を求めるわ！…し、しし、嫉妬じゃないわよ、社内秩序の維持よ！』.
Context for "説明"
先生が新しい文法を説明しました。
The teacher explained the new grammar.
Context for "解説"
ニュースキャスターが、現在の経済状況について分かりやすく_______しました。
The newscaster explained the current economic situation in an easy-to-understand way.
Context for "弁明"
誤解を解くために記者会見を開き、詳細な_______を行いましたが、世論は納得しませんでした。
In order to clear up the misunderstanding, they held a press conference and gave a detailed explanation, but public opinion was not convinced.
Context for "釈明"
度重なる失言に対し、その議員は釈明会見を開きましたが、かえって批判を_______結果となりました。
Toward his repeated gaffes, the lawmaker held a press conference to explain, but it rather resulted in drawing criticism.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "先生が新しい文法を ＿＿＿ しました。" (Meaning: "The teacher explained the new grammar.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "説明" is correct here because it represents "explanation, description" in the context: "The teacher explained the new grammar.".