Translation and Meaning of: 説く - toku

The Japanese word 説く [とく] is a verb that carries profound meanings and various applications in everyday Japan. If you are studying Japanese or simply interested in the language, understanding its usage, origin, and nuances can enrich your vocabulary. In this article, we will explore everything from the basic meaning to cultural curiosities, all to help you master this expression with confidence.

In addition to uncovering the translation of 説く, let's dive into its historical context, practical examples, and even memorization tips based on reliable sources. Whether for writing an essay or understanding dialogues in animes, knowing this word is an important step in learning Japanese. Shall we get started?

Meaning and usage of 説く

The verb 説く [とく] has as its main meanings "to explain," "to argue," or "to persuade." It is often used in contexts where someone is trying to convince another person of an idea or teach something in detail. For example, a teacher may 説く a complex concept to their students, or a politician may 説く their proposals during a speech.

Unlike other verbs like 説明する (to explain) or 教える (to teach), 説く carries a deeper nuance of persuasion or defense of a viewpoint. This subtlety makes the word more common in theoretical discussions, debates, or situations that require solid argumentation. Its usage is not limited to everyday contexts, appearing also in academic texts and formal speeches.

Origin and writing of kanji

The kanji 説 is composed of two main elements: the radical 言 (which relates to speech or language) and the component 兑 (which used to represent "exchange" or "negotiation"). This combination suggests the idea of conveying ideas through speech, reinforcing the meaning of explaining or persuading. The reading とく is one of the many possible for this character, which can also be read as セツ in words like 説明 (setsumei - explanation).

Interestingly, the kanji 説 appears in various important terms, such as 説得 (settoku - persuasion) and 学説 (gakusetsu - academic theory). Its origin traces back to ancient Chinese, but in Japan, it gained its own uses over the centuries. Studying these components can aid in memorization, especially if you are already familiar with other kanjis that share the radical 言, like 話 (hanashi - conversation) or 語 (go - language).

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to remember 説く is to associate it with situations where there is an active effort to persuade. Think of scenarios like a debate, a class, or even a discussion among friends. This word does not apply to simple or quick explanations, but rather to those that involve details and arguments. Creating sentences like "The teacher explained the importance of history" (先生は歴史の重要性を説いた) can aid in learning.

Another tip is to pay attention to the context in which 説く appears in authentic materials, such as news, books, or TV programs. Words with similar meanings, like 説明する, may seem similar, but the nuance of 説く is unique. By hearing it in dialogues or reading it in texts, you'll start to notice when and why it is chosen over other options.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 説く

• 説く - dictionary form
• 説かない - negative
• 説きます - polished
• 説いて - imperative
• 説かれる - passive
• 説かせる - Causative

Synonyms and similar words

• 語る (kataru) - To speak, to tell a story
• 解説する (kaisetsu suru) - Explain, provide a detailed analysis
• 説明する (setsumei suru) - Explain, describe clearly
• 講義する (kougi suru) - Give a lesson, teach in an academic environment.
• 説く (toku) - Explain, argue (in a more philosophical or persuasive context)
• 説得する (settoku suru) - Convince, persuade someone to accept a point of view

説く

Romaji: toku
Kana: とく
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: explain; defend; preach; persuade

Meaning in English: to explain;to advocate;to preach;to persuade

Definition: To encourage people to explain or understand a certain topic or fact.

Example Sentences - (説く) toku

See below some example sentences:

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