French · Everyday Verbs
"to explain" in French: expliquer
expliquer
To explain in French is expliquer. J'explique counts as the verb. L'explication is the noun — prefer j'explique so the verb is clear.
Homework help
Attends, j'explique l'exercice.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce expliquer
Say it
ek-splee-KAY / zhek-SPLEEK
/ɛk.spli.ke/
Expliquer: ek-splee-KAY. J'explique: zhek-SPLEEK. Clear ks cluster.
"to explain" in French: quick reference
| French | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| expliquer | to explain Infinitive. | Infinitive. |
| j'explique | I explain Clear verb. | Clear verb. |
| tu peux m'expliquer ? | can you explain to me? Asking. | Asking. |
| expliquer quelque chose à quelqu'un | to explain something to someone Pattern. | Pattern. |
How to use expliquer in real life
- 1Homework help
Attends, j'explique l'exercice.
Wait, I'll explain the exercise.
J'explique.
- 2Lost tourist
Je t'explique le chemin jusqu'à la gare.
I'll explain the way to the station.
Directions.
- 3Work meeting
Peux-tu expliquer ton idée en deux minutes ?
Can you explain your idea in two minutes?
Infinitive.
Mistakes English speakers make with expliquer
Incorrect: Je donne une explication (only) when you need the verb habit.
Correct: J'explique.
Use j'explique for the clear verb form.
Incorrect: J'explain le problème.
Correct: J'explique le problème.
Use expliquer, not English explain.
Good to know
French classrooms hear j'explique often before a board demo. In services, on vous explique covers policies. Keep expliquer for the verb; explication for the written/spoken explanation as a thing.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Helping with a map
ChatPal
Je suis perdu ici.
I'm lost here.
You
OK — j'explique : tout droit, puis à gauche.
OK—I'll explain: straight, then left.
ChatPal
Merci. Tu expliques mieux que l'appli.
Thanks. You explain better than the app.
You
De rien.
You're welcome.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"to explain" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "to explain" in French
How do you say to explain in French?
Expliquer.
How do you say I explain?
J'explique.
Is l'explication the same?
That's the noun; use j'explique for the verb.
How do you pronounce explique?
ek-SPLEEK.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
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