Meaning and Usage
The Korean noun '설명' means 'explanation' or 'description.' It is commonly used when someone clarifies or provides information about a topic, object, or situation.
Common Contexts
You will often see '설명' used in educational settings, product instructions, or everyday conversations where clarification is needed. For example, teachers give explanations, manuals contain explanations, and people ask for explanations when they don't understand something.
Collocations and Patterns
- 설명하다: to explain (verb form)
- 설명서: instruction manual or guide
- 자세히 설명하다: to explain in detail
- 간단히 설명하다: to explain briefly
These collocations are very common and useful for learners to express different levels of explanation.
Register and Politeness
'설명' is a neutral noun and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. When combined with polite verbs like '하다' or '해 주다,' it fits well in polite speech.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '설명' with '이해' (understanding). Remember, '설명' is the act of explaining, while '이해' is the act of understanding. Use '설명' when you want to talk about giving information or clarifying something.