説: the kanji for theory; explain
説 is a JLPT N3 kanji that means theory; explain. Below are its readings, 3 common words and example sentences, all with audio.
Stroke order
説 is written in 14 strokes. The red stroke is the one to write next, and the dot shows where it starts.
Words by reading
説 has 3 readings in the official Jōyō Kanji Table. Below are 3 common words grouped by reading. Tap ▶ to hear each word (audio plays with a free account).
セツ (setsu)
On reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 説明せつめい · setsumei | explanation |
| 小説しょうせつ · shōsetsu | novel |
とく (toku)
Kun reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 説くとく · toku | to preach; to explain |
Example sentences for work and daily life
- 先生が詳しく説明してくれた。Sensei ga kuwashiku setsumei shite kureta.The teacher explained it in detail.
- この小説はとても面白い。Kono shōsetsu wa totemo omoshiroi.This novel is very interesting.
- 彼は平和の大切さを説いた。Kare wa heiwa no taisetsusa o toita.He preached about the importance of peace.
- 新しい商品について説明します。Atarashii shōhin ni tsuite setsumei shimasu.I will explain about the new product.
- 彼女の書いた小説を読みました。Kanojo no kaita shōsetsu o yomimashita.I read the novel she wrote.
Questions about 説
How many strokes does 説 have?
説 is written in 14 strokes. The stroke order is shown at the top of this page.
What are the readings of 説?
The on readings are setsu (セツ), zei (ゼイ). The kun readings are toku (とく).
What JLPT level is 説?
N3. The JLPT does not publish official kanji lists, so this level is a guide based on the official Test Content Specifications used through 2009.
About the JLPT level
The JLPT does not publish official lists of kanji for each level. The level on this page is a guide based on the official Test Content Specifications used for the test through 2009. The JLPT states that the current N3 falls between the former Levels 2 and 3.
More JLPT N3 kanji
Study and communication
Executive Japanese by CCN is one-on-one online Japanese for managers and directors doing business in Japan.
Sources
- Jōyō Kanji Table (常用漢字表), Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan, 2010: readings and special readings of 説
- JLPT Frequently Asked Questions, The Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services: how current levels match the former levels
- Stroke order diagrams are based on KanjiVG by Ulrich Apel, used under CC BY-SA 3.0. The diagrams on this page are shared under the same license.