explain
explain — 動詞
1. to give someone the information they need to understand something — for example,
解釋；說明
讓人理解某事的意思或原因
to give someone the information they need to understand something — for example, describing how a machine runs, why the sky looks blue, or what a new word means.
The mechanic explained to Haruto how the brake system works.
技師向 Haruto 說明煞車系統如何運作。
explain + to + person + wh-clause
Sari explained that the computer had frozen because of a software error.
Sari 解釋電腦因為軟體錯誤而當機。
explain + that-clause for stating a reason
Could you explain what this short sentence means in simpler words?
你可以用更簡單的話解釋這個短句的意思嗎？
The librarian explained the rules of the book club to the new members.
圖書館員向新成員說明讀書會的規則。
Ryan took a deep breath and explained his plan to the team.
Ryan 深吸一口氣，向團隊解釋了他的計劃。
- clarify
more formal; suggests making something that was already mentioned less confusing
- describe
focuses on giving details of appearance or experience, not necessarily making something understandable
- demonstrate
usually involves showing how something works through action, not just words
文法句型
explain + noun phrase
explain + that-clause
explain + wh-clause
explain + noun phrase + to + person
用法筆記
Frequently transitive, but can be used intransitively when the object is clear from context (e.g. 'Let me explain'). The personal recipient always follows 'to' — never 'explain someone something'.
常見錯誤
2. to say why you did something, so that people who are upset or disappointed can u
辯解
為自己的行為提出理由
to say why you did something, so that people who are upset or disappointed can understand your point of view.
Lakshmi had to explain to her manager why the report was late.
Lakshmi 必須向主管解釋報告遲交的原因。
explain + why + to + person
Brandon explained that the bus broke down, so he missed the first hour of class.
Brandon 解釋說公車拋錨了，所以他錯過了第一堂課。
explain + that-clause for giving an excuse
The children had to explain themselves after the kitchen table was covered in paint.
孩子們在廚房桌上沾滿了顏料之後，必須解釋清楚。
Gabriela explained her decision to leave the project early.
Gabriela 為自己提早離開專案的決定提出解釋。
- justify
stronger; suggests proving something was right, not just explaining it
- account for
slightly formal; focuses on covering all the facts so nothing is unexplained
- excuse
implies hoping to be forgiven, not just understood
文法句型
explain + noun phrase
explain + that-clause
explain + wh-clause
explain + yourself
用法筆記
Subject is always a person. The reflexive form 'explain yourself' is common when someone's behaviour seems unreasonable. Frequently contrasted with 'excuse' — explaining gives reasons; excusing asks for forgiveness.
常見錯誤
3. to serve as the reason that makes a situation understandable — for example, when
說明原因
是某事的理由或成因
to serve as the reason that makes a situation understandable — for example, when a lack of sleep explains why someone is irritable, or rain explains why the streets are wet.
The heavy snowfall explains why the airport had to close.
大雪說明了機場為什麼必須關閉。
explain + why-clause with impersonal subject
A high fever explained why the little girl had been so quiet all morning.
高燒解釋了為什麼那個小女孩整個早上都那麼安靜。
Part of the delay was explained by a problem with the visa application.
延誤的部分原因可歸結於簽證申請出了問題。
Nala's strong performance in the final race explains why she won the gold medal.
Nala 在決賽中的優異表現，說明了為什麼她能贏得金牌。
Nothing can explain the damage that was done to the painting.
那幅畫所受的損害是無法解釋的。
- account for
directly overlapping; more common in formal writing
- justify
implies moral correctness; 'explain' is neutral — the reason can be negative
- indicate
suggests the reason points to something without fully explaining it
文法句型
explain + noun phrase
explain + that-clause
explain + wh-clause
passive: be explained by + noun phrase
用法筆記
Subject is usually an impersonal cause (event, fact, situation, result), not a person. Common in academic and formal writing. Frequently passive ('be explained by'). This sense does NOT take a human recipient with 'to'.