Meaning
The kanji 説 is essential for discussing ideas, stories, and information. It primarily represents structured speech used to clarify a point or propose a logic. You will see it most often in words related to giving explanations, writing fiction, or discussing academic theories.
This character is a phono-semantic compound. The left side is the 言 (speech) radical, indicating that the kanji relates to words. The right side is 兑, which originally meant "to open" or "exchange." This suggests that an "explanation" helps "open up" a person's understanding. Some scholars also link it to the joy (悦) felt when a confusing matter is finally made clear.
With 14 strokes, this kanji is taught to Japanese 4th graders. For N4 learners, it is a high-priority character. It appears in everyday words like setsumei (explanation) and shousetsu (novel), which are vital for reading comprehension.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The most common reading is セツ (setsu). Use this for the vast majority of formal and academic compounds.
- 説明 (setsumei) — Explanation
- 小説 (shousetsu) — Novel / Fiction
- 学説 (gakusetsu) — Scientific theory
The secondary reading ゼツ (zetsu) occurs due to rendaku (sequential voicing). It is primarily found in words related to public speaking.
- 演説 (enzetsu) — Public speech / oration
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The kun'yomi is と.く (toku). This verb means "to explain," "to advocate," or "to preach." While hanasu refers to general talking, toku implies a deeper level of authority, such as a monk explaining a doctrine or a scientist advocating for a specific method.
- 説く (toku) — To explain / to preach
- 説き明かす (tokiakasu) — To explain clearly / to unravel a mystery
Common Words & Compounds
Everyday Information
- 説明書 (setsumeisho) — Instruction manual; crucial for anyone living in Japan.
- 解説 (kaisetsu) — Commentary, often heard during sports broadcasts or news segments.
- 伝説 (densetsu) — Legend or folklore; stories passed down through generations.
Logical and Persuasive Terms
- 説得 (settoku) — Persuasion; literally "explaining until someone is convinced."
- 仮説 (kasetsu) — A hypothesis or temporary theory.
- 説教 (sekkyou) — A sermon or a scolding; often used when a parent lectures a child.
Example Sentences
新しいスマホの使い方を説明してください。
atarashii sumaho no tsukaikata wo setsumei shite kudasai.
Please explain how to use the new smartphone.
最近、おもしろい推理小説を読みました。
saikin, omoshiroi suiri shousetsu wo yomimashita.
I recently read an interesting mystery novel.
彼は熱心に平和の大切さを説きました。
kare wa nesshin ni heiwa no taisetsu-sa wo tokimashita.
He earnestly advocated for the importance of peace.
宿題を忘れて、先生に説教されました。
shukudai wo wasurete, sensei ni sekkyou saremashita.
I forgot my homework and was lectured by my teacher.
父を説得して、パソコンを買ってもらいました。
chichi wo settoku shite, pasokon wo katte moraimashita.
I persuaded my father and he bought me a computer.
Related Kanji
- 便 — Convenience, Facility, Communication (Kanji N4)
- 究 — To Seek the Truth and Master the Depths (Kanji N4)
- 声 — Voice, Sound (Kanji N4)
- 題 — Topic, Subject, Problem (Kanji N4)
- 業 — Business, Vocation, Arts, Karma (Kanji N4)
- 験 — Examination, Verification, Testing (Kanji N4)
Memory Tip
Think of 説 as the "Storyteller's Kanji." On the left, you have speech (言). On the right, imagine a person standing on two legs, wearing a hat, with their mouth wide open. They are explaining a theory or telling a novel to an audience. When someone explains something well, your mind opens (the meaning of the right side) to new ideas.