Japanese word

説く

Pronunciation

Romajitoku

Meaning

  • verbexplain

Example

彼は成功の秘訣を説きます。kare wa sei kō no hi ketsu o to ki ma su

He explains the secret to success.

Illustration for 説く (explain)

More examples

先生は図を使って分数の考え方を説きました。sen sei wa zu o tsuka tte bun sū no kanga e kata o to ki ma shi ta

The teacher explained the idea of fractions using a diagram.

Core concept

Makes a matter clear to someone while guiding the person toward understanding or agreement.

Common phrases

  • 重要性を説くjū yō sei o to ku

    explain the importance

  • 必要性を説くhitsu yō sei o to ku

    explain the need

  • 意義を説くi gi o to ku

    explain the significance

  • 価値を説くka chi o to ku

    explain the value

  • 利点を説くri ten o to ku

    explain the benefits

Similar words

説明するsetsumeisuru: To make a subject or method clear by giving information about it.
説き明かすtokiakasu: To make a difficult matter clear by revealing how or why it works.
解説するkaisetsusuru: To explain a subject in detail by adding background and interpretation.

Definition in Japanese

物事の意味や筋道を相手に説明し、理解や納得を促す。mono goto no i mi ya suji michi o ai te ni setsu mei shi ri kai ya nat toku o unaga su

Word origin

説く (toku) is a native Japanese verb of uncertain original formation, later written with the Chinese-derived character 説 (setsu, "explain; persuade") to reflect its meaning.

Usage tips

  • Unlike neutral explain, 説く (toku) may also mean advocating an idea or preaching a belief, especially when the speaker seeks the listener's agreement.

Other meanings

  • advocateverb
  • preachverb

Related words

  • 説き方tokikataway of explainingnoun
  • 説き手tokishuexpositornoun

Word lists with this word