Korean · Everyday Verbs
"to explain" in Korean: 설명하다
설명하다seolmyeonghada
to explain in Korean is 설명하다 (seolmyeonghada). 설명하다 explains a topic; -에게 marks the listener and -에 대해 introduces the topic.
to explain: an everyday statement
사용 방법을 설명해요.sayong bangbeobeul seolmyeonghaeyo.
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How to pronounce 설명하다
Say it
seolmyeonghada
/sʌlmjʌŋhata/
Read 설명하다 as seolmyeonghada. The spoken form 설명해요 is seolmyeonghaeyo; preserve its final 요 when addressing someone politely.
"to explain" in Korean: quick reference
| Korean | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| 설명하다seolmyeonghada | to explain Dictionary form. | Dictionary form. |
| 설명해요seolmyeonghaeyo | to explain (polite present) Use 설명해요 in an everyday polite sentence. | Use 설명해요 in an everyday polite sentence. |
| 설명했어요seolmyeonghaesseoyo | to explain (polite past) Use 설명했어요 for a completed past action or state. | Use 설명했어요 for a completed past action or state. |
How to use 설명하다 in real life
- 1to explain: an everyday statement
사용 방법을 설명해요.
sayong bangbeobeul seolmyeonghaeyo.
I explain how to use it.
설명해요 is the present form of 설명하다.
- 2to explain: a different situation
어제 선생님께 상황을 설명했어요.
eoje seonsaengnimkke sanghwangeul seolmyeonghaesseoyo.
I explained the situation to the teacher yesterday.
설명했어요 is the past form of 설명하다.
- 3to explain: a question or request
다시 설명해요?
dasi seolmyeonghaeyo?
Shall I explain again?
설명해요 is the present form of 설명하다.
Mistakes English speakers make with 설명하다
Incorrect: 설명하다.
Correct: 설명해요.
When practicing to explain, 설명하다 names the dictionary entry. In polite speech, change the ending to 설명해요.
Incorrect: 어제 설명해요.
Correct: 어제 설명했어요.
When practicing to explain, for a completed event yesterday, use 설명했어요; the present form 설명해요 does not express that past event.
Good to know
설명하다 explains a topic; -에게 marks the listener and -에 대해 introduces the topic. 설명해요 is the polite conversational form of 설명하다; 설명했어요 gives a past-tense form.
Read this practice conversation aloud
Tutor-led everyday verbs study exercise: two sentences with 설명하다
Partner
이 표현을 사용해서 한 문장 말해 볼까요?
i pyohyeoneul sayonghaeseo han munjang malhae bolkkayo?
Shall we say a sentence using this expression?
You
사용 방법을 설명해요.
sayong bangbeobeul seolmyeonghaeyo.
I explain how to use it.
Partner
좋아요. 다른 문장으로도 연습해 볼까요?
joayo. dareun munjangeurodo yeonseupae bolkkayo?
Good. Shall we practice with another sentence too?
You
어제 선생님께 상황을 설명했어요.
eoje seonsaengnimkke sanghwangeul seolmyeonghaesseoyo.
I explained the situation to the teacher yesterday.
This is a sample dialogue for reading aloud. Try both parts, then replace a detail with one from your own life.
Explore ChatPal"to explain" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "to explain" in Korean
How do I use 설명하다 in polite speech?
설명해요 is the polite conversational form of 설명하다; 설명했어요 gives a past-tense form.
How do I use 설명하다 in a past-tense sentence?
설명했어요 is the polite past form. 설명하다 explains a topic; -에게 marks the listener and -에 대해 introduces the topic.
What does 설명해요 mean here?
설명해요 is used for to explain. For example, 사용 방법을 설명해요. means “I explain how to use it.”
What should I remember about 설명하다?
설명하다 explains a topic; -에게 marks the listener and -에 대해 introduces the topic.
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