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:

この本はとてもわかりやすい解説が書かれています。

Kono hon wa totemo wakariyasui kaisetsu ga kakarete imasu

This book has a very easy explanation to understand.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 本 - noun meaning "book"
• は - topic particle that indicates that the book is the subject of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• わかりやすい - adjective that means "easy to understand"
• 解説 - noun meaning "explanation"
• が - subject particle that indicates that the explanation is the subject of the sentence
• 書かれています - passive verb that means "was written"

この説明はとても分かりやすいです。

Kono setsumei wa totemo wakariyasui desu

This explanation is very clear.

This explanation is very easy to understand.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 説明 - noun meaning "explanation"
• は - particle that marks the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 分かりやすい - adjective that means "easy to understand"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

彼は強引な方法で彼女を説得しようとした。

Kare wa gouin na houhou de kanojo o settoku shiyou to shita

He tried to persuade his girlfriend in a very insistent way.

He tried to convince her with brute force.

• 彼 - He
• は - Topic particle
• 強引 - Forced, coercive
• な - Suffix indicating adjective
• 方法 - Method, way
• で - Particle indicating medium, instrument
• 彼女 - Girlfriend, she
• を - Direct object particle
• 説得 - Convince, persuade
• しよう - Volitional form of the verb suru (to do)
• とした - Tried

彼は熱心に彼の理論を説いた。

Kare wa nesshin ni kare no riron o tokuita

He passionately explained his theory.

He eagerly preached his theory.

• 彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 熱心に - Japanese adverb meaning "with enthusiasm"
• 彼の - Japanese possessive pronoun meaning "your"
• 理論を - Japanese noun that means "theory" and the particle "wo" indicates the direct object of the sentence
• 説いた - Japanese verb meaning "explain" in the past tense

推理小説が好きです。

Suiri shousetsu ga suki desu

I like mystery novels.

I like the reasoning novel.

• 推理小説 - literary genre of mystery and suspense
• が - subject particle
• 好き - like
• です - verb to be in the polite form

短編小説を書くのが好きです。

Tanchen shōsetsu o kaku no ga suki desu

I like to write short stories.

I like to write short novels.

• 短編小説 - short story
• を - direct object particle
• 書く - write
• の - Noun particle
• が - subject particle
• 好き - like
• です - verb ser/ estar in the present polite

私は小説を書くのが好きです。

Watashi wa shousetsu wo kaku no ga suki desu

I like writing novels.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun meaning "I".
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I".
• 小説 - Japanese noun that means "romance" or "novel".
• を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence, in this case, "to write."
• 書く - Japanese verb that means "to write".
• のが - Japanese particle that indicates the nominal subject function of the sentence, in this case, "to write".
• 好き - Japanese adjective that means "to like."
• です - Japanese verb that indicates the current state or action, in this case, "to like".

説明が必要です。

Setsumei ga hitsuyou desu

Explanation is necessary.

An explanation is required.

• 説明 - It means "explanation" in Japanese.
• が - is a Japanese grammatical particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 必要 - means "necessary" in Japanese.
• です - is a polite way of saying "ser" or "estar" in Japanese.