Esta página en tu idioma

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A2 verb #4,500 más común 8 min de lectura

설명되다

seolmyeongdoeda Top 4,500

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos 설명되다 en 30 segundos

Explicación 설명되다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners are just beginning to understand the difference between 'doing' an action and an action 'happening.' While '설명되다' (to be explained) is a bit advanced for absolute beginners, you can think of it as the passive version of '설명하다' (to explain). At this stage, you mostly focus on simple subjects. For example, '이것이 설명돼요' (This is explained). It is helpful to recognize this word when you see it in a textbook or on a sign that says 'Information is explained here.' You don't need to use it in complex sentences yet, but knowing that '되다' often makes a verb passive is a great first step in your Korean journey.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the A2 level, you should start using '설명되다' to describe simple logical connections. You might use it to say that a reason is clear or that a rule is explained in a book. For example, '이 책에 다 설명되어 있어요' (Everything is explained in this book). At this level, you are learning how to use the '-어/아 있다' form to describe a state. '설명되어 있다' is a very common A2-level phrase. You should also be able to distinguish between '설명해요' (I explain) and '설명돼요' (It is explained). This helps you talk about things more objectively, which is a key skill as you move beyond basic personal introductions.

By B1, you are expected to use '설명되다' in more varied contexts, including the potential form '설명될 수 있다' (can be explained). This is useful for discussing theories, opinions, or why certain events happened. You might say, '그의 성공은 노력으로 설명될 수 있습니다' (His success can be explained by his effort). You should also be comfortable using particles like '-로' (by/as) or '-에 의해' (by) to show how something is explained. This level requires you to move from simple descriptions to providing reasons and logical links in your conversations and writing.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the B2 level, '설명되다' becomes a tool for academic and professional communication. You will use it to discuss complex phenomena or to write reports where an objective tone is necessary. You should understand the nuance of using the passive voice to avoid sounding accusatory or overly personal. For example, instead of saying 'You didn't explain the budget,' you might say '예산안이 충분히 설명되지 않았습니다' (The budget proposal was not sufficiently explained). You should also be able to recognize it in news broadcasts and formal speeches, where it is used to discuss social issues and scientific discoveries.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the C1 level, you should have a nuanced command of '설명되다' and be able to use it alongside its synonyms like '해명되다' (to be clarified) or '묘사되다' (to be depicted) with precision. You will use it in high-level academic writing or professional debates to discuss abstract concepts. For instance, '이 현상은 단순한 경제적 요인만으로는 설명되지 않는 복잡한 사회적 배경이 있습니다' (This phenomenon has a complex social background that cannot be explained by simple economic factors alone). Your usage should reflect an understanding of how the passive voice contributes to the flow and emphasis of a sophisticated argument.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the C2 level, '설명되다' is used with total fluency in philosophical, legal, and highly specialized technical contexts. You can use it to discuss the limits of human understanding or the intricacies of complex systems. You might use it in a sentence like, '인간의 의식은 신경과학적 기제만으로 온전히 설명될 수 없는 영역으로 남아 있다' (Human consciousness remains a realm that cannot be fully explained by neuroscientific mechanisms alone). At this level, you also appreciate the stylistic choices between using the passive '설명되다' and other more specific verbs to achieve a exact rhetorical effect in literature or formal oratory.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

설명되다 en 30 segundos

Passive form of '설명하다', meaning 'to be explained'.
Used when the subject is the thing receiving the explanation.
Common in academic, formal, and objective contexts.
Often used with '-어/아 있다' to show a state of being explained.

The Korean verb 설명되다 (seol-myeong-doe-da) is a fundamental passive construction in the Korean language, primarily used to indicate that a concept, situation, fact, or phenomenon is being explained or accounted for by something else. In linguistic terms, it is the passive counterpart to the active verb 설명하다 (to explain). While 설명하다 focuses on the agent performing the action—the person doing the explaining—설명되다 shifts the focus to the subject that receives the explanation or the result of the explanatory process. This distinction is crucial in Korean, especially in academic, formal, and objective contexts where the speaker wishes to emphasize the clarity or the status of information rather than the individual providing it.

Grammatical Composition: The word is formed by the noun 설명 (explanation), derived from the Hanja 說明 (설 meaning 'to speak/explain' and 명 meaning 'bright/clear'), combined with the auxiliary verb 되다 (to become/be done). Together, they literally mean 'to become an explanation' or 'to be explained.'

이 현상은 과학적으로 설명되다.
(This phenomenon is explained scientifically.)

You will encounter this word frequently in textbooks, news reports, and scientific papers. It is the preferred choice when the cause of a situation is being attributed to a specific factor. For example, if a sudden change in the market is 'accounted for' by a change in interest rates, 설명되다 is the natural verb to use. It carries a nuance of logical necessity or evidentiary support. Unlike simple 'telling,' 설명되다 implies a structured breakdown of information that makes a complex topic 'clear' (명) through 'speech' (설).

In everyday conversation, while people might prefer the active '설명해 줘' (Please explain it to me), 설명되다 appears when someone reflects on whether they understood something: '이제야 모든 게 설명되네' (Now everything is explained/makes sense). It suggests a moment of clarity where the pieces of a puzzle finally fit together. It is also used in legal or official contexts where a person's behavior must be 'accounted for' or justified by their circumstances.

Using 설명되다 correctly requires an understanding of passive sentence structures in Korean. Since the verb is passive, the object of the active sentence (the thing being explained) becomes the subject. This shift is essential for emphasizing the clarity of the topic rather than the person explaining it. Let's look at the specific patterns and nuances involved in its application across different levels of formality.

Basic Structure: [Subject] + [Particle 이/가] + (By means/Agent) + 설명되다. For example: '이유가 설명되다' (The reason is explained).

그의 행동은 오해로 설명될 수 없습니다.
(His behavior cannot be explained as a misunderstanding.)

One of the most common ways to use this verb is with the potential form -ㄹ 수 있다/없다. Saying something 'can be explained' (설명될 수 있다) is a standard way to express that a theory is plausible or that a logical connection exists. Conversely, '설명될 수 없다' is used for mysteries, miracles, or irrational behaviors that defy logic. This usage is particularly common in academic writing where researchers discuss whether their data supports their hypothesis.

In business contexts, 설명되다 is used to describe how a budget was spent or how a project's failure occurred. Instead of blaming someone, using the passive voice makes the report sound more objective and professional. For instance, '지출 내역이 명확히 설명되었습니다' (The expenditure details have been clearly explained) sounds more authoritative in a formal meeting than saying 'I explained the expenses.'

이 책에서는 한국의 역사가 아주 쉽게 설명되어 있습니다.
(In this book, Korean history is explained very easily.)

Finally, the form -어/아 있다 is frequently used with 설명되다 to describe a state. 설명되어 있다 means 'it stands explained' or 'it is currently in an explained state,' which is perfect for describing the contents of a manual or a signpost.

While 설명되다 might seem like a formal dictionary term, it is deeply embedded in various layers of Korean society, from the sterile environment of a laboratory to the emotional height of a K-drama. Understanding these contexts helps learners transition from robotic translation to natural usage. The word isn't just about 'giving info'; it's about 'making sense' of the world.

In Educational Settings: Teachers often ask students, "이 공식이 어떻게 설명되는지 알아요?" (Do you know how this formula is explained?). Here, the focus is on the logic behind the math, not just the teacher's lecture.

뉴스 리포터: "이번 사건의 원인은 아직 충분히 설명되지 않았습니다."
(News Reporter: "The cause of this incident has not yet been sufficiently explained.")

In the media, 설명되다 is the go-to verb for investigative journalism. When a reporter says something 'hasn't been explained,' it implies a lack of transparency or a mystery that needs solving. This usage is common in political scandals or economic shifts. It creates a sense of objective distance, focusing on the facts (or lack thereof) rather than attacking a specific spokesperson.

In drama scripts, you might hear a character say, "너의 그 눈빛은 무엇으로 설명될까?" (What could explain that look in your eyes?). This is a more poetic or dramatic use, where 'explanation' refers to the underlying meaning or emotion behind an action. It suggests that human behavior is a puzzle that needs to be deciphered. Even in casual settings, friends might say, "그건 말로 설명 안 돼" (That can't be explained with words), which is a common way to express that an experience was so amazing or strange that language fails to capture it.

설명서에 설명된 대로 조립하세요.
(Assemble it as explained in the manual.)

Finally, in the digital age, you'll see this word in UI/UX contexts. App instructions might say, '기능이 아래에 설명되어 있습니다' (The features are explained below). This is a standard, polite way to guide users without being overly wordy.

Learning 설명되다 involves navigating the tricky waters of Korean passives. Many English speakers fall into traps because the relationship between active and passive verbs in Korean doesn't always mirror English perfectly. Here are the most frequent pitfalls to avoid to ensure your Korean sounds natural and grammatically sound.

1. Confusing '설명하다' with '설명되다': The most common error is using the active 설명하다 when the passive 설명되다 is required. Remember: 설명하다 needs a person/agent as the subject who is doing the explaining. 설명되다 needs the topic or thing being explained as the subject.

❌ 책이 내용을 설명해요. (The book explains the content - awkward in Korean).
✅ 책에 내용이 설명되어 있어요. (The content is explained in the book - much better).

Another frequent mistake involves particle usage. Because 설명되다 is passive, it generally cannot take an object marked with 을/를. The thing being explained must be the subject (이/가). If you find yourself wanting to use 을/를, you should probably be using the active 설명하다 instead.

Over-passivization is another issue. English speakers tend to love the passive voice, but Korean often prefers active verbs if the agent is known. Don't use 설명되다 if it's simpler to say 'The teacher explained it.' Use 설명되다 specifically when you want to sound objective, scientific, or when the 'explainer' doesn't matter as much as the 'explanation' itself.

2. Misusing '설명해지다': Learners sometimes try to create a passive by adding -어/아지다 to 설명하다, resulting in '설명해지다'. While -어/아지다 is a common passive/inchoative suffix, with Hanja-based -하다 verbs, the -되다 form is the standard and correct passive construction.

Lastly, watch out for context. 설명되다 is for logical or descriptive explanations. If you are 'clearing up a misunderstanding' or 'making an excuse,' words like 해명되다 (to be clarified/exonerated) or 변명하다 might be more appropriate depending on the nuance of the situation.

To truly master Korean, you must understand the subtle differences between 설명되다 and its various synonyms. While they all relate to the concept of providing information or clarity, their specific applications vary depending on whether you are describing a scene, solving a problem, or clarifying a mystery.

설명되다 vs. 묘사되다 (Myosa-doe-da): 설명되다 is about logical understanding and 'why/how.' 묘사되다 (to be described/depicted) is about visual or sensory details. You explain a theory, but you describe a beautiful landscape or a character's appearance.
설명되다 vs. 해명되다 (Haemyeong-doe-da): 해명되다 is specifically used when there is a misunderstanding, a suspicion, or a mistake that needs to be cleared up. If a politician is accused of a crime, they need to 해명 (clarify/explain) their actions. 설명되다 is more neutral and general.

이 풀이는 수학적으로 풀이되다.
(This solution is interpreted/solved mathematically.)

Another interesting alternative is 풀이되다. While 설명되다 is the general 'to be explained,' 풀이되다 (to be interpreted/unraveled) is often used for riddles, complex math problems, or the interpretation of a poem. It implies 'untying' (풀) a knotty problem.

In academic contexts, you might also see 입증되다 (to be proven). While an explanation shows *how* something works, a proof shows *that* it is true. Sometimes an explanation is not enough; a theory must be 입증되다 through experiments. Lastly, 안내되다 (to be guided/informed) is used when providing logistical information, like 'The meeting time is announced/explained on the website.'

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The character 명 (明) combines the sun (日) and the moon (月), symbolizing the ultimate clarity. So '설명' literally means making something as clear as the sun and moon through speech.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /sʌl.mjʌŋ.dwe.da/

US /sʌl.mjʌŋ.dwe.da/

Stress is generally even across syllables in Korean, but a slight emphasis on 'seol' is natural.

Rima con

형성되다 (hyeong-seong-doe-da) 결정되다 (gyeol-jeong-doe-da) 인정되다 (in-jeong-doe-da) 고정되다 (go-jeong-doe-da) 한정되다 (han-jeong-doe-da) 수정되다 (su-jeong-doe-da) 측정되다 (cheuk-jeong-doe-da) 특정되다 (teuk-jeong-doe-da)

Errores comunes

Pronouncing 'seol' like 'soul'.
Missing the 'ng' in 'myeong'.
Pronouncing 'dwe' as two separate syllables 'do-e'.
Using a hard English 'd' instead of the softer Korean 'd/t' sound.
Over-emphasizing the final 'da'.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 3/5

Common in texts, but requires understanding of passive forms.

Escritura 4/5

Tricky to use the correct particles (이/가 vs 을/를).

Expresión oral 3/5

Useful for sounding objective, but often replaced by active forms in casual speech.

Escucha 2/5

Clear pronunciation makes it easy to recognize.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

설명 (Noun) 하다 (Verb) 되다 (Verb) 이해하다 (To understand) 이유 (Reason)

Aprende después

해명하다 (To clarify) 묘사하다 (To describe) 입증하다 (To prove) 분석되다 (To be analyzed) 해석되다 (To be interpreted)

Avanzado

상술하다 (To explain in detail) 부연하다 (To elaborate) 천명하다 (To clarify/declare) 설파하다 (To explain/persuade)

Gramática que debes saber

Passive -되다 Construction

결정하다 -> 결정되다, 사용하다 -> 사용되다

State of Being -어/아 있다

설명되어 있다, 쓰여 있다, 열려 있다

Potential -ㄹ 수 있다

설명될 수 있다, 갈 수 있다

Noun + 로 (Means/Reason)

말씀으로 설명되다, 사고로 설명되다

Indirect Question -는지

어떻게 설명되는지 알아요?

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

Ejemplos por nivel

이것은 한국어로 설명돼요.

This is explained in Korean.

Present tense informal polite.

그림으로 설명돼요.

It is explained with a picture.

Particle -로 indicating means.

이유가 설명돼요.

The reason is explained.

Subject particle -가.

어디에 설명돼요?

Where is it explained?

Question form.

책에 설명돼요.

It is explained in the book.

Location particle -에.

선생님께 설명돼요.

It is explained to the teacher (or by the teacher, context dependent).

Honorific particle -께.

다 설명돼요.

Everything is explained.

Adverb '다' meaning all/everything.

쉽게 설명돼요.

It is explained easily.

Adverb '쉽게' (easily).

이 책에 자세히 설명되어 있어요.

It is explained in detail in this book.

-어/아 있다 indicates a continuing state.

사용법이 잘 설명되었습니다.

The instructions were explained well.

Formal past tense -었습니다.

문제가 아직 설명되지 않았어요.

The problem has not been explained yet.

Negative form -지 않다.

그것은 나중에 설명될 거예요.

That will be explained later.

Future tense -ㄹ 거예요.

이 단어는 어떻게 설명되나요?

How is this word explained?

Polite question ending -나요.

지도로 위치가 설명돼요.

The location is explained with a map.

Means particle -로.

영어로 설명되어 있지 않아요.

It is not explained in English.

Negative state -어 있지 않다.

모든 것이 명확하게 설명되었습니다.

Everything was explained clearly.

Adverbial -게.

그 현상은 과학적으로 설명될 수 있습니다.

That phenomenon can be explained scientifically.

Potential form -ㄹ 수 있다.

그의 행동은 스트레스로 설명됩니다.

His behavior is explained by stress.

Noun + 로 (reason/cause).

계획이 자세히 설명된 문서를 받았습니다.

I received a document where the plan is explained in detail.

Past participle/Adjective form -ㄴ.

이것은 한 문장으로 설명되기 어렵습니다.

This is difficult to be explained in one sentence.

Nominalized form -기 + 어렵다.

상황이 어떻게 설명되는지 들어봅시다.

Let's listen to how the situation is explained.

Indirect question -는지.

비밀이 드디어 설명되었습니다.

The secret was finally explained.

Adverb '드디어' (finally).

이 규칙은 예외 없이 설명되어야 합니다.

This rule must be explained without exception.

Obligation form -어야 하다.

결과가 데이터로 설명되고 있습니다.

The results are being explained by data.

Continuous passive -고 있다.

그 이론은 새로운 증거에 의해 설명됩니다.

The theory is explained by new evidence.

Agent marker -에 의해.

사건의 전말이 언론을 통해 설명되었습니다.

The full story of the incident was explained through the media.

Through/Via -을/를 통해.

이 수치는 경제 위기로 설명될 수밖에 없습니다.

These figures can't help but be explained by the economic crisis.

-ㄹ 수밖에 없다 (no choice but to).

작품의 의미가 작가의 의도대로 설명되지 않습니다.

The meaning of the work is not explained according to the author's intention.

According to -대로.

복잡한 과정이 도식화되어 설명되고 있습니다.

The complex process is being explained via schematization.

Passive + state + continuous.

모든 정황이 그를 범인으로 설명하고 있습니다.

All circumstances explain (point to) him as the culprit.

Note: Sometimes 설명되다 is replaced by active for emphasis, but here we focus on the passive context.

당시의 문화적 배경이 충분히 설명되어야 이해가 가능합니다.

The cultural background of the time must be sufficiently explained for understanding to be possible.

Conditional -어야.

이 정책은 국민의 복지 증진을 위해 설명되었습니다.

This policy was explained for the sake of improving public welfare.

For the sake of -을 위해.

그 현상은 다각적인 관점에서 설명될 필요가 있습니다.

That phenomenon needs to be explained from multifaceted perspectives.

Need to -ㄹ 필요가 있다.

인간의 심리는 단순히 호르몬의 변화로만 설명되지 않습니다.

Human psychology is not explained merely by changes in hormones.

Limitation particle -만.

이 가설은 논리적 모순 없이 설명되어야 학계에서 인정받습니다.

This hypothesis must be explained without logical contradictions to be recognized in academia.

Without -없이.

언어의 기원은 여러 신화적 요소와 결합되어 설명되곤 합니다.

The origin of language is often explained in combination with various mythical elements.

Habitual action -곤 하다.

그의 갑작스러운 사임은 건강상의 이유로 설명되었으나 의구심은 여전합니다.

His sudden resignation was explained as being for health reasons, but doubts remain.

Contrastive -으나.

우주의 팽창은 일반 상대성 이론에 의해 수학적으로 설명됩니다.

The expansion of the universe is mathematically explained by the general theory of relativity.

Scientific passive.

이 법안의 정당성은 헌법 정신에 비추어 설명될 수 있습니다.

The legitimacy of this bill can be explained in light of the spirit of the Constitution.

In light of -에 비추어.

그녀의 예술 세계는 고독이라는 키워드로 설명되기에 충분합니다.

Her artistic world is sufficient to be explained by the keyword 'solitude'.

Reason -기에.

형이상학적 개념들은 종종 비유를 통해서만 간접적으로 설명되기도 합니다.

Metaphysical concepts are often explained only indirectly through metaphors.

Also/Even -기도 하다.

양자역학의 불확정성은 고전 물리학의 틀로는 설명될 수 없는 영역입니다.

The uncertainty of quantum mechanics is a realm that cannot be explained within the framework of classical physics.

Noun + 로는 (as for the framework of).

역사는 승자의 기록에 의해 편향되게 설명될 위험성을 내포하고 있습니다.

History inherently contains the risk of being explained biasly by the records of the victors.

Adverbial -게 + Noun.

심미적 가치는 수치화된 데이터로 온전히 설명될 수 있는 성질의 것이 아닙니다.

Aesthetic value is not something of a nature that can be fully explained by quantified data.

Nature/Property -성질의 것.

이 거대 담론은 포스트모더니즘의 시각에서 재설명될 여지가 충분합니다.

This grand narrative has plenty of room to be re-explained from a postmodern perspective.

Room/Possibility -ㄹ 여지.

존재의 근원적 고독은 그 어떤 철학적 체계로도 완벽히 설명되지 않습니다.

The fundamental solitude of existence is not perfectly explained by any philosophical system.

Even with -로도.

자본의 논리로만 설명되는 현대 사회의 비인간성을 비판해야 합니다.

We must criticize the inhumanity of modern society that is explained only by the logic of capital.

Attributive form -되는.

신경세포의 전기적 신호가 어떻게 주관적 경험으로 변환되는지는 아직 설명되지 않은 난제입니다.

How electrical signals of neurons are converted into subjective experiences is a still-unexplained conundrum.

Noun clause -는지는.

Colocaciones comunes

자세히 설명되다

과학적으로 설명되다

논리적으로 설명되다

명확하게 설명되다

그림으로 설명되다

한마디로 설명되다

충분히 설명되다

객관적으로 설명되다

전부 설명되다

잘못 설명되다

Frases Comunes

설명될 수 있다

— It can be explained. Used to show logical possibility.

노력으로 설명될 수 있는 결과입니다.

설명되어 있다

— It is (currently) explained. Describes the state of a text or sign.

책 뒷면에 설명되어 있어요.

설명되지 않다

— It is not explained. Used for mysteries or lack of info.

원인이 아직 설명되지 않았습니다.

어떻게 설명되나요?

— How is it explained? A polite way to ask for a definition or reason.

이 문법은 어떻게 설명되나요?

말로 설명되다

— To be explained with words.

그 감정은 말로 설명되지 않아요.

이론으로 설명되다

— To be explained by a theory.

이 현상은 진화론으로 설명됩니다.

수학적으로 설명되다

— To be explained mathematically.

우주의 법칙은 수학적으로 설명된다.

쉽게 설명되다

— To be explained easily.

복잡한 내용이 아주 쉽게 설명되어 있다.

다시 설명되다

— To be re-explained.

그 부분은 수업 시간에 다시 설명될 거예요.

구체적으로 설명되다

— To be explained concretely/specifically.

계획이 더 구체적으로 설명되어야 합니다.

Se confunde a menudo con

설명되다 vs 설명하다

Active voice (to explain). Use when a person is the subject.

설명되다 vs 해명되다

Used specifically for clearing up suspicions or misunderstandings.

설명되다 vs 묘사되다

Used for visual or sensory descriptions rather than logical ones.

Modismos y expresiones

"입이 열 개라도 설명되지 않다"

— Even with ten mouths, it cannot be explained/justified. Used when one's fault is too big to excuse.

제 실수는 입이 열 개라도 설명되지 않습니다.

Emphatic

"한눈에 설명되다"

— To be explained at a single glance. Usually refers to a very clear diagram.

이 그래프는 시장 상황을 한눈에 설명해 줍니다.

Neutral

"앞뒤가 설명되다"

— For the beginning and end (the context) to be explained/to make sense.

그의 말을 들으니 이제야 앞뒤가 설명되네요.

Colloquial

"뼈대만 설명되다"

— Only the skeleton (basic structure) is explained.

시간이 없어서 뼈대만 설명되었습니다.

Metaphorical

"구구절절 설명되다"

— To be explained in tedious, long-winded detail.

사연이 구구절절 설명되어 있었다.

Informal

"뜬구름 잡듯 설명되다"

— To be explained vaguely (like catching a floating cloud).

강의가 뜬구름 잡듯 설명되어 이해하기 힘들었다.

Informal

"귀에 쏙쏙 들어오게 설명되다"

— To be explained so well that it 'pops' into the ears.

라디오에서 뉴스가 귀에 쏙쏙 들어오게 설명되었다.

Colloquial

"손바닥 보듯 설명되다"

— To be explained as clearly as looking at one's own palm.

지도가 아주 손바닥 보듯 설명되어 있다.

Idiomatic

"안 봐도 비디오처럼 설명되다"

— To be explained so vividly it's like watching a video (even without seeing it).

그날의 상황이 안 봐도 비디오처럼 설명되었다.

Slang/Colloquial

"실타래 풀리듯 설명되다"

— To be explained like a thread unrolling (smoothly and logically).

복잡한 사건이 실타래 풀리듯 설명되기 시작했다.

Literary

Fácil de confundir

설명되다 vs 설명하다

Both share the same root '설명'.

설명하다 is active (I explain the rule). 설명되다 is passive (The rule is explained). In Korean, passives are often used to sound more objective or when the agent is unknown.

선생님이 설명해요 vs. 규칙이 설명돼요.

설명되다 vs 해석되다

Both involve making something understandable.

설명되다 is general explanation of facts. 해석되다 is 'interpretation' of meaning, like interpreting a poem or a foreign language.

이 문장은 두 가지로 해석된다.

설명되다 vs 표현되다

Both involve conveying information.

표현되다 is 'to be expressed' (feelings, art). 설명되다 is 'to be explained' (logic, reasons).

슬픔이 음악으로 표현되었다.

설명되다 vs 정의되다

Both provide clarity.

정의되다 is 'to be defined'. A definition is a specific type of explanation that gives the exact meaning of a word.

이 단어는 다음과 같이 정의된다.

설명되다 vs 보고되다

Both involve providing information formally.

보고되다 is 'to be reported' (news, results). 설명되다 is 'to be explained' (the 'why' behind the report).

사고 소식이 뉴스에 보고되었다.

Patrones de oraciones

이것은 [Noun]에 설명되어 있어요.

이것은 책에 설명되어 있어요.

[Subject]이/가 어떻게 설명돼요?

이유가 어떻게 설명돼요?

[Subject]이/가 [Reason]으로 설명될 수 있어요.

결과가 노력으로 설명될 수 있어요.

[Subject]이/가 아직 설명되지 않았어요.

원인이 아직 설명되지 않았어요.

[Subject]이/가 [Agent]에 의해 설명됩니다.

이 법칙은 뉴턴에 의해 설명됩니다.

[Subject]이/가 [Method]를 통해 설명되었습니다.

사건이 뉴스를 통해 설명되었습니다.

[Subject]이/가 [Perspective]에서 설명될 필요가 있다.

현상이 경제적 관점에서 설명될 필요가 있다.

[Subject]이/가 [Logic]만으로는 설명될 수 없는 영역이다.

인간은 과학만으로는 설명될 수 없는 영역이다.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

설명 (Explanation)

설명서 (Manual/Instructions)

설명회 (Briefing/Information session)

설명자 (Explainer)

Verbos

설명하다 (To explain - Active)

설명시키다 (To make someone explain)

Adjetivos

설명적 (Explanatory/Descriptive)

Relacionado

해득 (Understanding)

이해 (Comprehension)

묘사 (Description)

해설 (Commentary)

주석 (Annotation)

Regístrate gratis para ver todos los ejemplos

Cómo usarlo

frequency

High in written texts, Medium-High in spoken Korean.

Errores comunes

이유를 설명돼요. → 이유가 설명돼요.
Passive verbs like 설명되다 cannot take the object particle 을/를. They must take the subject particle 이/가.
책이 내용을 설명해요. → 책에 내용이 설명되어 있어요.
While 'The book explains' is okay in English, in Korean, inanimate objects usually don't 'explain' (active). It's more natural to say the content 'is explained' in the book.
그는 나에게 설명되었다. → 그는 나에게 설명했다.
If a person is doing the explaining, use the active '설명하다'. '설명되었다' would mean the person himself was being explained to someone else.
설명해졌어요. → 설명되었어요.
For Hanja verbs ending in -하다, the passive is almost always formed with -되다, not -어/아지다.
이것은 과학으로 설명해요. → 이것은 과학으로 설명돼요.
If the subject is 'this' (an inanimate thing), it should be 'is explained' (passive) rather than 'explains' (active).

Consejos

Subject-Verb Agreement

Always ensure the thing being explained is the subject. If you are explaining a 'plan', the sentence should start with '계획이...' followed by '설명되다'.

Objective Tone

Use '설명되다' in your writing when you want to sound professional and avoid taking personal credit or placing personal blame.

Business Meetings

In a meeting, use '설명되었습니다' to confirm that a point has been covered. It sounds more polite and conclusive than 'I told you'.

Hanja Roots

Remembering that '명' (明) means 'clear' will help you remember that '설명되다' is about making things clear.

Manuals

When looking for instructions, look for the section where things are '설명되어 있다' (explained).

Casual Mystery

Use '설명이 안 돼' when you see something unbelievable, like a magic trick or a beautiful sunset.

Academic Linking

Use '설명될 수 있다' to link your evidence to your conclusion in essays.

News Keywords

In news about the economy, listen for '설명되다' to hear what experts think is causing market changes.

Politeness

Using the passive form can be a way to be humble, as it removes the 'I' from the sentence.

Visualizing

Visualize a 'Clear' (Myeong) 'Speech' (Seol) 'Becoming' (Doe) a reality.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of 'SEOL' as 'Soul' and 'MYEONG' as 'Mirror'. An explanation is like the soul of a topic reflected in a clear mirror (myeong). 'DOE-DA' means it 'becomes' that reflection.

Asociación visual

Imagine a dark room (a confusing topic) and someone turning on a bright lamp (myeong). The room is now 'explained' (설명되다).

Word Web

설명 (Center) 이해 (Understand) 이유 (Reason) 명확 (Clear) 교과서 (Textbook) 과학 (Science) 해답 (Answer) 논리 (Logic)

Desafío

Try to find three things in your room that have instructions. Say out loud in Korean: '이것은 설명서에 설명되어 있어요' (This is explained in the manual).

Origen de la palabra

Derived from the Sino-Korean word 說明 (설명) plus the Korean native verb suffix 되다.

Significado original: 설 (說) means 'to speak, talk, or explain' and 명 (明) means 'bright, clear, or light'.

Sino-Korean (Hanja roots with Korean verbalizer).

Contexto cultural

When discussing someone's personal failure, using '설명되다' (passive) can sometimes sound colder or more detached than '설명하다'. Use with care in emotional situations.

English speakers often use 'it explains' (active) even for inanimate objects (e.g., 'The book explains...'). In Korean, this sounds personified. English speakers should practice switching to the passive '설명되다' for objects.

Scientific TV shows like 'KBS Science Cafe' frequently use this word. The phrase '설명되지 않는 일들' (Unexplained things) is a common title for mystery books or shows. In the movie 'Parasite', characters often discuss plans that need to be 'explained' to work.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Science Class

과학적으로 설명되다
실험으로 설명되다
원리가 설명되다
현상이 설명되다

Legal/Official

법적으로 설명되다
조항에 설명되어 있다
정당성이 설명되다
절차가 설명되다

Product Manuals

사용법이 설명되다
주의사항이 설명되다
기능이 설명되다
그림으로 설명되다

History/Social Studies

배경이 설명되다
원인이 설명되다
사건이 설명되다
영향이 설명되다

Daily Life

말로 설명되다
이유가 설명되다
상황이 설명되다
충분히 설명되다

Inicios de conversación

"이 문법이 어떻게 설명되는지 다시 말씀해 주시겠어요?"

"그 영화의 결말이 어떻게 설명될 수 있을까요?"

"이 기계의 사용법이 어디에 설명되어 있나요?"

"당신의 성공 비결은 무엇으로 설명되나요?"

"이 현상이 과학적으로 설명될 수 있다고 생각하세요?"

Temas para diario

오늘 내가 겪은 일 중에서 말로 설명되지 않는 놀라운 일은 무엇이었나요?

내가 가장 좋아하는 책에서 가장 잘 설명된 부분은 어디인가요?

나의 성격은 어떤 단어로 설명될 수 있을까요?

최근에 뉴스에서 본 사건이 어떻게 설명되고 있는지 적어보세요.

외국인 친구에게 한국의 '정(情)' 문화를 설명한다면, 어떤 예시로 설명될 수 있을까요?

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

Usually, '설명되다' is used for concepts, reasons, or things. If you use it with a person, it means that person's character or existence is being 'accounted for' or 'explained' by something else, which is rare and usually metaphorical. For example, '그는 천재성으로 설명되는 사람이다' (He is a person explained by his genius).

'설명되다' focuses on the action of being explained (The teacher explains, so it is explained). '설명되어 있다' focuses on the resulting state (You open a book and see that the explanation is already there). In manuals and signs, '설명되어 있다' is much more common.

Yes, it is more formal than '설명하다' because the passive voice naturally creates a sense of objective distance. It is very common in news, academic writing, and professional settings.

No. Because '설명되다' is a passive verb, the thing being explained must be the subject, marked with 이/가 or 은/는. Using 을/를 is a common mistake for English speakers.

You can say '설명될 수 없어요' (It cannot be explained) or '설명이 안 돼요' (An explanation doesn't work/happen). The latter is very common in casual speech.

Not necessarily. It can be explained by facts, data, or circumstances. For example, '성적이 노력으로 설명된다' means 'Grades are explained by effort,' where 'effort' is the cause, not a person speaking.

In very casual or online contexts, people might just use the noun form '설명됨' to indicate a state of being explained, but there is no shorter verb synonym that captures the exact same meaning.

Yes, in certain contexts, especially legal or moral ones, it can mean that an action is 'accounted for' or 'justified' by the circumstances.

Usually '-에 의해' (by) is used for a person, and '-로' or '-으로' (by/with) is used for a means or reason. For example, '뉴턴에 의해 설명되다' or '중력으로 설명되다'.

'설명되다' (to be explained) focuses on the provision of information. '이해되다' (to be understood) focuses on the internal state of the person receiving the information. If something is '설명되다', it doesn't always mean it was '이해되다' by everyone.

Regístrate gratis para ver consejos y notas