Korean Dictionary
How to say "Explain" in Korean
“Explain” in Korean is 설명 (pronounced "Seolmyeong").
설명
Seolmyeong
Usage & Context
Explaining (설명) is a skill valued in Korean classrooms and workplaces. Korean teachers are expected to explain concepts clearly and thoroughly. In group study sessions and study groups (스터디 그룹), students often take turns explaining material to each other, reinforcing their own understanding.
Example Sentence
선생님이 쉽게 설명해 주셨어요.
The teacher explained it clearly.
How to use 설명 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Explain” is 설명, romanized as Seolmyeong.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 설명.
Pronunciation Guide
설 (seol) sounds like 'sul' in 'sulk' but with a slightly more open 'eo' sound, similar to 'sawl' in 'sawdust'. 명 (myeong) sounds like 'myung' in 'young' but with an 'm' at the beginning. Combine them as 'Seol-myung'.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
설명합니다
seolmyeong-hamnida
Formal polite verb form of 'to explain'.
Casual (반말)
설명해
seolmyeong-hae
Casual verb form of 'to explain'.
More Example Sentences
Asking for instructions on operating a device.
이 기계 사용법을 설명해 주시겠어요?
Could you explain how to use this machine?
Describing someone's thorough explanation of an event.
그는 상황을 자세히 설명했다.
He explained the situation in detail.
A student giving feedback to a teacher or presenter.
설명이 너무 어려워서 이해가 안 돼요.
The explanation is too difficult, so I don't understand.
Cultural Context
Clear 설명 (seolmyeong) is highly valued in Korean professional and academic settings. In presentations or reports, it's common to use structured arguments and visual aids to ensure clarity and conciseness. When asking someone to explain, especially an elder or superior, it's polite to use honorifics or polite forms, such as '설명해 주시겠어요?' (Could you explain for me?).
Editorial note
We review entries like 설명 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
설명하다
To explain (verb)
설명서
Instruction manual
자세한 설명
Detailed explanation
Related Expressions
풀이
puri
Explanation (often for problems/equations), solution
해설
haeseol
Commentary, explanation (often for texts, events)
강의
gangui
Lecture, instruction
묘사
myosa
Description
More Education Words
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