syut3 ming4説明说明
Jyutpingsyut3 ming4
Yalesyut mìhng
Definition
To explain, illustrate, or clarify something to make it understandable to others.
writtencommunication
How it's used
While the character combination 説明 exists in written Chinese, Cantonese speakers almost exclusively use 解釋 in spoken contexts. Using 説明 in casual conversation sounds like you are reading from a textbook or a formal manual. Reserve it for formal writing or specific technical contexts like product manuals.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using 説明 as a verb in daily speech, as it sounds unnatural and overly formal. Stick to 解釋 for all general explanations.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
