Translation and Meaning of: 説 - setsu

The Japanese word 説[せつ] is a fascinating term that carries deep meanings and various uses in the language. If you are studying Japanese or simply curious about this expression, understanding its context can enrich your vocabulary and cultural comprehension. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and practical uses of 説, as well as tips for memorizing it effectively.

Found in various contexts, from academic discussions to everyday conversations, 説 is one of those words worth mastering. Whether to interpret texts or communicate more precisely, knowing its details will make a difference in your learning. Shall we dive into this linguistic universe?

Meaning and usage of 説

The term 説[せつ] can be translated as "theory," "opinion," or "explanation," depending on the context in which it is used. It often appears in discussions involving logical arguments or personal interpretations about a subject. For example, in academic debates or even in analyses of films and books, this word arises to indicate a specific perspective.

Furthermore, 説 can also be used to refer to doctrines or teachings, especially in philosophical or religious contexts. Its versatility makes it a valuable word for both advanced students and beginners in Japanese. Mastering its use helps express ideas with greater clarity and sophistication.

Origin and writing of the kanji 説

The kanji 説 is composed of two main elements: the radical 言 (which relates to speech or language) and 兌 (which carries the idea of exchange or explanation). This combination reinforces the sense of "conveying an idea" or "presenting an argument." Its origin dates back to ancient Chinese, where it was already used with a meaning similar to the current one.

It is worth noting that 説 is not one of the more complex kanji, but its reading can vary depending on the context. While せつ is the most common reading, in compounds like 説明[せつめい] (explanation) or 学説[がくせつ] (academic theory), it maintains a consistent pronunciation. This makes it easier for those who are starting to become familiar with Japanese ideograms.

Tips for memorizing and using 説

An effective way to reinforce 説 in your vocabulary is to associate it with compound words that you already know. Terms like 説明[せつめい] (explanation) or 仮説[かせつ] (hypothesis) are great examples of how this root appears in daily life. By learning these combinations, it becomes easier to recognize and use 説 in different situations.

Another strategy is to practice with simple sentences that include the word, like "その説は面白い" (that theory is interesting). Repeating these examples out loud or writing them down on flashcards can speed up the memorization process. Over time, the use of 説 will become natural, allowing you to express yourself with greater precision in Japanese.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 語り (katari) - Tell; narrate; the act of telling a story.
• 説明 (setsumei) - Explanation; detailed description of a subject.
• 説く (toku) - Argue; explain a point of view or theory.
• 解説 (kaisetsu) - Comment; clarification or explanation of a specific topic.
• 説話 (setsuwa) - Fable; a narrative that conveys a moral or lesson.
• 説教 (sekkyou) - Preaching; a moral or religious discourse delivered by a spiritual leader.
• 説得 (settoku) - Persuasion; the act of convincing someone to accept an idea or point of view.
• 説法 (seppou) - Teaching; religious discourse, often related to Buddhist doctrines.

説

Romaji: setsu
Kana: せつ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: theory

Meaning in English: theory

Definition: Make others understand using words, theories, etc.

Example Sentences - (説) setsu

See below some example sentences:

描写は小説や詩において非常に重要な要素です。

Miyashou wa shousetsu ya shi ni oite hijou ni juuyou na youso desu

The description is a very important element in novels and poems.

Description is a very important factor in novels and poems.

• 描写 (byousha) - Description
• 小説 (shousetsu) - romance, fiction
• 詩 (shi) - poetry
• において (ni oite) - in, within
• 非常に (hijou ni) - extremely
• 重要な (juuyou na) - important
• 要素 (yousu) - element
• です (desu) - is

伝説は永遠に語り継がれる。

Densetsu wa eien ni kataritsugareru

Legends are told forever.

The legend is passed down forever.

• 伝説 - legend
• は - Topic particle
• 永遠に - forever
• 語り継がれる - is transmitted

彼を説得するのは難しいです。

Kare wo settoku suru no wa muzukashii desu

It's hard to convince him.

It is hard to convince him.

• 彼 - The Japanese personal pronoun that means "he" is "彼" (kare).
• を - Direct object particle in Japanese
• 説得する - Japanese verb that means "to convince".
• のは - subjectivity particle in Japanese
• 難しい - Japanese adjective meaning "difficult"
• です - verb to be in Japanese

学説に基づいて研究を進める。

Gakusetsu ni motozuite kenkyuu wo susumeru

Proceed with research based on academic theory.

Provide theory-based research.

• 学説 - academic theory
• に - particle indicating the target or object of the action
• 基づいて - based on
• 研究 - research, study
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the action.
• 進める - Move forward, progress

この小説の粗筋を教えてください。

Kono shousetsu no sosujin wo oshiete kudasai

Please tell me the synopsis of this novel.

Please tell me the approximate line of this novel.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that indicates something close to the speaker
• 小説 - noun meaning "novel" or "fictional story"
• の - particle that indicates possession or relationship between two things
• 粗筋 - noun meaning "outline" or "basic summary"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 教えて - verb meaning "teach" or "inform"
• ください - expression indicating a polite request

この説明は明瞭でした。

Kono setsumei wa meiryou deshita

This explanation was clear.

This explanation was clear.

• この - demonstrative "this"
• 説明 - noun "explanation"
• は - Topic particle
• 明瞭 - adjective "clear"
• でした - polite past form of the verb "to be"

この小説の作者は誰ですか？

Kono shousetsu no sakusha wa dare desu ka?

Who is the author of this novel?

• この - demonstrative "this"
• 小説 - noun "romance"
• の - possessive particle "of"
• 作者 - noun "author"
• は - topic particle "は"
• 誰 - interrogative pronoun "who"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form
• か - interrogative particle "?"

この小説は名作だと思います。

Kono shousetsu wa meisaku da to omoimasu

I think this novel is a masterpiece.

I think this novel is a masterpiece.

• この - demonstrative "this"
• 小説 - noun "romance/novel"
• は - Topic particle
• 名作 - noun "masterpiece"
• だ - verb "to be" in the affirmative form
• と - Quote particle
• 思います - verb "think" in the polite form

この作家の小説はとても面白いです。

Kono sakka no shousetsu wa totemo omoshiroi desu

This writer's novel is very interesting.

• この - demonstrative indicating proximity, in this case "this"
• 作家 - noun that means "writer"
• の - particle indicating possession, in this case "of"
• 小説 - noun that means "romance" or "novel"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "about"
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 面白い - adjective meaning "interesting" or "fun"
• です - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite form of the present, in this case, "é"

この小説は長編です。

Kono shousetsu wa chouhen desu

This novel is a feature film.

• この - this
• 小説 - romance, history
• は - Topic particle
• 長編 - long novel
• です - to be