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JapanLingo

explain / theory

N4
Onyomi
Kunyomi
Stroke count
14
JLPT
N4

Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.

Memory tip

A flat illustration of a panel of words parting down the middle like a curtain to let a bright idea through the gap, with the kanji 説 ("explain") drawn into the picture.

Break 説 down and you get 言 (speech / words) — words rising out of an open mouth, and beside it 兌 (exchange / pleased) — an open mouth held above a pair of legs, pleased and speaking out. Picture a panel of words parting down the middle like a curtain to let a bright idea through the gap, put 説 inside it, and let that scene stand for "explain" — explain / theory. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.

Stroke Order

Stroke count: 14

General writing tips

These general rules have exceptions. Follow the animation and numbered frames for this character.

  • •Write from top to bottom.
  • •Write from left to right.
  • •Write horizontal strokes before the vertical strokes that cross them.
  • •Draw an outer enclosure first, then fill in what is inside.
  • •In symmetric shapes, write the centre before the left and right sides.
  • •This kanji has 14 strokes — trace them in order in the practice area below.

Step by step

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Practice Writing

Free writing practice — compare your writing with the example. This canvas does not check your shape or stroke order. Draw with a mouse, finger, or pen; scroll outside the square to move down the page.

Trace the faded character, or hide the outline to practise from memory.

Writing Tips

  • Follow the order strictly: top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Correct order makes the shape balanced and natural.
  • Keep each stroke in one smooth motion — don't lift the pen in the middle of a stroke.
  • Close enclosing strokes cleanly so the character does not look open or broken.
  • Common mistake: drawing strokes bottom-to-top or right-to-left. Even if the result looks similar, the wrong order shows in handwriting and makes it harder to read.

Example words

setsumei

explanation

settoku

persuasion

sekkyou

sermon

setsumeisuru

to do explanation

settokusuru

to do persuasion

settokushita

plain past: did persuasion

Example sentences (3)

atarashii ruuru nitsuite setsumei shimasu.

I will explain the new rules.

tsukaikata ga wakaranai node, mou ichido setsumei shite moraemasu ka.

I do not understand how to use it, so could you explain it once more?

ten'in no setsumei wa totemo teinei deshita.

The clerk's explanation was very polite.