How to say "explain" in Japanese

• 説くとくJLPT N1approx.Common
  godan verb, transitive verbExplains in the sense of expounding: a teacher or advocate sets out a principle or belief to convince others, close to its 'preach' and 'advocate' senses; not the word for plain explanation of facts.
  あの男おとこを説き伏ときふせようとするのは、オオカミに道理どうりを説といて聞きかせるようなものだ。↗

  You might as well reason with the wolf as try to persuade that man.
• 話すはなすJLPT N5approx.Common
  godan verb, transitive verbCovers 'explain' as talking something through: telling a listener about a matter in conversation. Its core sense is speaking with someone, so the explaining is spoken and addressed to a listener.
  あなたの趣味しゅみについて話はなしてください。↗

  Please tell me about your hobbies.

Use 「話す」 when explaining means talking something through or telling someone about it; use 「説く」 for expounding a principle, teaching, or belief, with a preaching or advocating flavor.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 説くとくto explain
• 説き明かすときあかすto explain
• 申し開らくもうしひらくto explain
• 説き聞かせるとききかせるto explain
• 説き示すときしめすto explain
• 言い開くいいひらくto justify
• 話すはなすto tell