Keywords: jiangjie, 讲解, how to say explain in Chinese, Chinese verb for lecture, explain in detail, commentary in Chinese, explain vs shuo ming, what does jiangjie mean, HSK 4 vocabulary.
Summary: Learn how to use “讲解” (jiǎngjiě), a key Chinese verb for explaining something in a structured and detailed way. More than a simple “explain,” jiǎngjiě is used when a teacher, expert, or tour guide gives a lecture, commentary, or a step-by-step breakdown. This guide will cover its meaning, cultural context, and practical examples, and clarify the important difference between 讲解 (jiǎngjiě), 说明 (shuōmíng), and 解释 (jiěshì).
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): jiǎngjiě
Part of Speech: Verb / Noun
HSK Level: HSK 4
Concise Definition: To explain, lecture on, or provide commentary on a topic in detail.
In a Nutshell: Think of 讲解 (jiǎngjiě) as “to give a detailed explanation.” It's not for a quick, one-sentence answer. It's the word you use for a professor explaining a scientific theory, a museum guide narrating the history of an artifact, or a friend carefully walking you through the rules of a complex board game. The core idea is a structured, thorough transfer of knowledge to help someone truly understand.
Character Breakdown
讲 (jiǎng): This character means “to speak,” “to say,” or “to tell.” It's the same “jiǎng” found in words like 演讲 (yǎnjiǎng), to give a speech, and 讲课 (jiǎngkè), to give a lesson. It implies a formal or structured form of speaking.
解 (jiě): This character's original meaning is “to untie” or “to unfasten.” Think of untying a knot. Metaphorically, it means to solve a problem, resolve a confusion, or understand something. It's the same “jiě” in 解决 (jiějué), to solve, and 了解 (liǎojiě), to understand.
When you combine 讲 (to speak) and 解 (to untie), you get 讲解: “to speak in a way that unties a knot of confusion.” It perfectly captures the act of making a complex topic clear and understandable for others.
Cultural Context and Significance
In Chinese culture, there is profound respect for teachers (老师), scholars, and experts. The act of 讲解 (jiǎngjiě) is closely associated with this value. It's not just a neutral act of information transfer; it's a demonstration of knowledge and a service to the listener. The person doing the 讲解 is positioned as the authority on the subject.
Comparison to Western Concepts: While it translates to “explain,” it's closer in feel to the English phrases “to give a breakdown,” “to provide commentary,” or “to walk someone through something.” However, 讲解 often carries more formality and an expectation of expertise than its casual English counterparts. If a friend “explains” a movie plot, they might just be chatting. If they 讲解 the plot, they are likely analyzing its themes, structure, and symbolism in a more methodical way.
Practical Usage in Modern China
In Education: This is the most common context. A teacher's primary job is to 讲解 texts, grammar points, and concepts to students.
老师在讲解这篇课文。 (Lǎoshī zài jiǎngjiě zhè piān kèwén.) - The teacher is explaining this text.
In Professional Settings: A manager might 讲解 a new company strategy, or an engineer might 讲解 how a new piece of equipment works. It implies a formal presentation or training session.
经理向我们讲解了公司未来的发展计划。 (Jīnglǐ xiàng wǒmen jiǎngjiě le gōngsī wèilái de fāzhǎn jìhuà.) - The manager explained the company's future development plan to us.
In Tourism and Services: Tour guides 讲解 the history of landmarks. Museum docents 讲解 the stories behind exhibits. A salesperson might 讲解 the complex features of a high-tech product.
导游正在为游客讲解长城的历史。 (Dǎoyóu zhèngzài wèi yóukè jiǎngjiě Chángchéng de lìshǐ.) - The tour guide is explaining the history of the Great Wall to the tourists.
As a Noun:讲解 can also be used as a noun to mean “explanation” or “commentary.”
他的讲解非常清楚，我一下子就懂了。 (Tā de jiǎngjiě fēicháng qīngchu, wǒ yíxiàzi jiù dǒng le.) - His explanation was very clear, I understood it immediately.
Example Sentences
Example 1:
教授用了很多生动的例子来讲解这个复杂的理论。
Pinyin: Jiàoshòu yòngle hěn duō shēngdòng de lìzi lái jiǎngjiě zhège fùzá de lǐlùn.
English: The professor used many vivid examples to explain this complex theory.
Analysis: This is a classic academic use of 讲解, emphasizing a detailed explanation of a difficult subject.
English: When new employees join, the HR department will explain the company's rules and regulations.
Analysis: A common and formal use in a business/corporate context.
Example 9:
他花了半个小时，才把这个笑话的文化背景讲解清楚。
Pinyin: Tā huā le bàn ge xiǎoshí, cái bǎ zhège xiàohuà de wénhuà bèijǐng jiǎngjiě qīngchu.
English: He spent half an hour to clearly explain the cultural background of this joke.
Analysis: Shows that 讲解 can be time-consuming because it's thorough.
Example 10:
谢谢你的耐心讲解！
Pinyin: Xièxie nǐ de nàixīn jiǎngjiě!
English: Thank you for your patient explanation!
Analysis: A polite phrase to thank someone who has taken the time to explain something complex to you.
Nuances and Common Mistakes
The most common point of confusion for learners is the difference between 讲解 (jiǎngjiě), 说明 (shuōmíng), and 解释 (jiěshì).
讲解 (jiǎngjiě):For complex topics, processes, or texts. Focuses on teaching and helping someone understand a system or story. Think: lecture, walkthrough, commentary.
说明 (shuōmíng):For stating facts, clarifying instructions, or indicating something. It's more objective and less about a deep-dive. Think: product instructions (产品说明), a caption, stating a reason.
解释 (jiěshì):For clearing up a misunderstanding or defining a specific point/word. It often answers the question “why?” or “what do you mean?”. Think: “Let me explain why I was late,” or “Can you explain this word to me?”
Incorrect Usage Example:
Incorrect: 你能讲解一下你的名字吗？ (Nǐ néng jiǎngjiě yíxià nǐ de míngzì ma?)
Why it's wrong:讲解 is too formal and heavy for something as simple as a name. It sounds like you're asking for a lecture on the etymology of their name.
Correct: 你能说一下你的名字吗？ (Nǐ néng shuō yíxià nǐ de míngzì ma?) or 你能介绍一下自己吗？ (Nǐ néng jièshào yíxià zìjǐ ma?)
Related Terms and Concepts
说明 (shuōmíng) - To state, to illustrate. More for facts and instructions, less for deep understanding.
解释 (jiěshì) - To explain (a reason), to interpret. Used to clear up confusion or explain “why.”
介绍 (jièshào) - To introduce. Used for people, places, and basic overviews, not detailed explanations.
讲课 (jiǎngkè) - To give a lesson, to teach. A specific type of 讲解 performed by a teacher in a classroom.
演讲 (yǎnjiǎng) - To give a speech. A formal public address which often contains sections of 讲解.
解说 (jiěshuō) - To commentate, to explain. Very similar to 讲解, often used for narrating something as it happens, like a sports match or a documentary.
分析 (fēnxī) - To analyze. The process of breaking something down, which often precedes the act of 讲解 (explaining your analysis).