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B1 verb 10分で読める

selittää

練習する例文メモとヒント selittää 30秒で

解説 selittää in your Level:

At the A1 level, the verb 'selittää' is an advanced word, but students should recognize its basic function: to make someone understand something. At this stage, you might hear it when a teacher says 'Minä selitän' (I explain) before showing how a word is used. You don't need to know all the complex grammar yet, but you should know that it is a verb used for communication. A1 learners typically use 'kertoa' (to tell) for most things, but 'selittää' appears when you are trying to give a reason for why you are doing something simple. For example, 'Minä selitän nimeni' (I explain my name/why I have this name). It's helpful to learn the first-person form 'minä selitän' and the question 'voitko selittää?' (can you explain?). This level focuses on the physical act of clarifying a simple word or a short sentence. You might also see it in very basic instructions where a guide 'explains' where to go. Even if you can't conjugate it perfectly, knowing that 'selittää' means 'to explain' will help you follow along in a classroom setting where the teacher is describing Finnish grammar rules to you in English or simple Finnish.

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At the A2 level, you start using 'selittää' to provide simple reasons and justifications in everyday situations. You might use it to explain why you were late for a meeting or why you like a certain type of food. The grammar starts to matter more here: you should try to use the allative case (-lle) for the person you are talking to, such as 'selitän ystävälle' (I explain to a friend). You will encounter the word in simple texts, like emails where someone explains a change in plans. A2 learners should also be aware of the difference between 'selittää' and 'kertoa'. While 'kertoa' is for sharing facts or stories, 'selittää' is for providing the 'miksi' (why). If you are at this level, you can practice by explaining your daily routine or a simple hobby to someone else. You might also start to notice the word in signs or simple news headlines. The focus is on moving from just 'telling' to 'explaining' basic cause-and-effect relationships. You should also be able to form the past tense 'selitti' to talk about things that were explained to you yesterday.

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At the B1 level, 'selittää' becomes a vital tool for expressing your thoughts and participating in discussions. This is the level where you are expected to explain your opinions, describe processes, and handle more complex social interactions. You should be comfortable using 'selittää' with 'että' clauses (e.g., 'Hän selitti, että...') and understand the difference between the accusative and partitive objects. For example, 'selitin asian' (I explained the whole thing) versus 'selitin asiaa' (I was explaining the thing). You will hear this word in work meetings, in more detailed news reports, and in social settings where people are debating topics. B1 learners should also start to recognize the frequentative form 'selitellä' and its slightly negative connotation of making excuses. You are now able to explain not just 'what' happened, but the nuances of 'how' and 'why'. This word allows you to bridge the gap between simple sentences and more sophisticated, connected speech. You might also use it when interpreting a text or a movie plot to a friend, requiring a higher level of vocabulary to support your explanation.

At the B2 level, you use 'selittää' to deal with abstract concepts and professional topics. You are expected to explain complex theories, clarify misunderstandings in a nuanced way, and use the word in formal writing. At this stage, you should also be familiar with synonyms like 'valottaa' (to shed light on) or 'havainnollistaa' (to illustrate) and know when to use them instead of the more basic 'selittää'. You can follow a lecture where a professor explains a scientific process or a legal framework. Your use of 'selittää' should be precise—you might use adverbs like 'seikkaperäisesti' (in great detail) or 'yksinkertaistettuna' (simplified). You also understand the passive voice usage, such as 'tämä selitetään usein niin, että...' (this is often explained such that...). In social situations, you can use the word to navigate delicate topics, providing justifications that are culturally appropriate. Your ability to 'selittää' complex emotions or social phenomena shows a high degree of fluency. You should also be able to use the noun 'selitys' in various contexts, such as 'tieteellinen selitys' (scientific explanation).

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At the C1 level, your use of 'selittää' is near-native in its precision and variety. You understand the deep etymological roots of the word and how it relates to concepts of clarity ('selkeys') and the open sea ('selkä'). You can use 'selittää' to deconstruct philosophical arguments or to explain the subtle nuances of Finnish literature. You are adept at using the word in highly formal contexts, such as academic papers or legal briefs, where you might use the passive or complex participial constructions. You also recognize the rhetorical power of the word—how 'selittäminen' can be used to persuade or to obscure. You are familiar with idiomatic expressions like 'selittää parhain päin' (to put a positive spin on things) and can use them naturally. At this level, you don't just explain; you 'analysoit' (analyze), 'tulkitset' (interpret), and 'perustelet' (justify). You can also critique someone else's explanation, pointing out where it lacks 'selitysvoimaa' (explanatory power). Your listening skills are sharp enough to catch when a speaker is using 'selittää' to be evasive or when they are being genuinely helpful.

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At the C2 level, you have mastered 'selittää' in all its forms and registers. You can use it with the same ease as a native speaker, including its most subtle shades of meaning in poetry or high-level political discourse. You are capable of explaining the most dense and technical subjects in Finnish with perfect grammatical accuracy. You understand how the word functions within the broader system of the Finnish language, including its historical development. You can engage in 'meta-explaining'—explaining the nature of explanation itself. Your vocabulary includes all related words, from the most obscure technical terms to the latest slang. You can switch between a simple explanation for a child and a complex, multi-layered explanation for a peer-reviewed journal without hesitation. The word 'selittää' is no longer just a vocabulary item; it is a versatile tool that you use to shape reality, influence others, and express the finest details of human thought. You can also play with the word, using it ironically or creatively in storytelling. At this stage, your explanations are not only clear but also stylistically sophisticated, reflecting a deep immersion in Finnish culture and thought.

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練習する例文メモとヒント

selittää 30秒で

Selittää is a versatile Finnish verb meaning 'to explain' or 'to make clear', essential for daily communication and academic use.
It is a Type 1 verb with no consonant gradation, making its conjugation relatively straightforward for learners of all levels.
The person receiving the explanation is put in the allative case (-lle), while the thing explained is in the accusative or partitive.
It differs from 'kertoa' (to tell) by focusing on logic and reasons rather than just sharing facts or narratives.

The Finnish verb selittää is a cornerstone of communication, fundamentally meaning 'to explain' or 'to make clear'. At its heart, it is derived from the adjective selvä, which means 'clear' or 'plain'. When you use selittää, you are essentially taking something that is obscured, confusing, or complex and 'clearing' it up for someone else. It is a Type 1 verb, following the standard conjugation patterns of verbs ending in -aa/-ää, and notably, it does not undergo consonant gradation, meaning the double 'tt' remains strong throughout its forms (e.g., minä selitän, hän selittää).

Logical Clarification: The most common use is in educational or informative contexts where a speaker provides the logic, reasons, or mechanics behind a concept. For example, a teacher explains a math problem, or a scientist explains a natural phenomenon.
Justification and Excuses: In social settings, selittää often carries the weight of providing an excuse. If someone is late for a meeting, they might 'selittää' why the bus was delayed. Interestingly, the frequentative form selitellä is often used pejoratively to imply someone is making up excuses or talking too much to cover their tracks.
Interpretation of Meaning: It is also used when interpreting data, dreams, or art. If a person 'selittää unta', they are interpreting a dream. It suggests providing a subjective or objective meaning to a specific sign or symbol.

Voisitko selittää tämän säännön minulle uudestaan?

Translation: Could you explain this rule to me again?

The word is versatile across all registers of Finnish. In formal academic writing, you might see it used to describe how a theory explains a certain outcome. In casual conversation, you'll hear it when someone is recounting a story or trying to get their point across during an argument. It's important to note that the person to whom something is explained is expressed in the allative case (-lle). For instance, selittää lapselle (to explain to a child).

Hän selitti tilanteen parhain päin.

Translation: He explained the situation in the best possible light.

Technical Context: In computer science or linguistics, selittää is used for describing how code functions or how a grammatical structure operates. It implies a step-by-step breakdown.

Culturally, Finns value clarity and directness. Therefore, the ability to selittää something concisely is highly regarded. Over-explaining (selitellä) can sometimes be seen as 'jauhanta' (grinding), which is talking without getting to the point. However, in the context of Finnish 'sisu' and problem-solving, a good explanation is the bridge between a problem and its resolution.

Lääkäri selitti tutkimustulokset potilaalle.

Translation: The doctor explained the test results to the patient.

Using selittää correctly requires understanding its grammatical environment. As a transitive verb, it usually takes an object in the accusative or partitive case, depending on the completeness of the action. Furthermore, the recipient of the explanation is almost always in the allative case (-lle). This structure creates a clear map of 'who is explaining what to whom'.

The 'Että' Clause: One of the most frequent ways to use selittää is followed by a subordinate clause starting with että (that). For example: Hän selitti, että juna oli myöhässä (He explained that the train was late). This allows for complex information to be delivered efficiently.
Object Cases: If you explain a specific thing completely, use the accusative: Selitin asian (I explained the matter). If the explanation is ongoing or partial, use the partitive: Hän selitti asiaa pitkään (He was explaining the matter for a long time).

Opettaja selittää uutta aihetta luokalle.

Translation: The teacher is explaining a new topic to the class. (Partitive 'aihetta' implies the process is ongoing).

In passive constructions, selittää is often used to describe how things are commonly understood or defined. Tämä ilmiö selitetään usein psykologian avulla (This phenomenon is often explained with the help of psychology). This is very common in academic writing and news reporting where the agent of the action is less important than the explanation itself.

Älä yritä selittää tekojasi.

Translation: Don't try to explain (justify) your actions.

Infinitive Forms: The third infinitive in the illative case (selittämään) is used with verbs of movement or starting: Hän ryhtyi selittämään suunnitelmaa (He started explaining the plan).

Finally, consider the use of adverbs with selittää. You can explain selkeästi (clearly), lyhyesti (briefly), or perusteellisesti (thoroughly). These modifiers change the tone of the explanation significantly, from a quick update to a deep dive into a subject.

Voisitko selittää tämän lyhyesti?

Translation: Could you explain this briefly?

The word selittää is ubiquitous in Finnish life, from the classroom to the courtroom and the coffee room. Its presence signals a shift from mere observation to understanding. In the Finnish media, you will frequently encounter this word in headlines where experts are called upon to 'selittää' the latest economic trends or political shifts.

In Education: Finnish schools emphasize 'ymmärtäminen' (understanding) over rote memorization. Consequently, teachers constantly ask students: 'Osaatko selittää tämän omin sanoin?' (Can you explain this in your own words?). It is the primary verb for pedagogical interaction.
Workplace Dynamics: During meetings, a project lead might say, 'Salli minun selittää, miksi valitsimme tämän lähestymistavan' (Allow me to explain why we chose this approach). It is used to align team members and ensure everyone is on the same page.

Uutisankkuri selittää uutta lakimuutosta.

Translation: The news anchor is explaining the new law change.

In digital spaces, particularly YouTube or TikTok, you'll see titles like 'Selitän miksi...' (I'm explaining why...). This is the Finnish equivalent of 'storytime' or 'explainer' videos. It's a very active, engaging verb in the creator economy. Similarly, in sports commentary, 'selittää' is used when a commentator breaks down a complex play or a referee's decision.

Hän selittää aina asiat niin monimutkaisesti.

Translation: He always explains things so in a complicated way.

Legal and Official Use: In official documents, you might find the noun form selitys (explanation/statement). For example, vastaselitys is a counter-explanation or a legal rebuttal. The verb is used when a defendant explains their actions to a judge.

In romantic or personal relationships, selittää can be a double-edged sword. 'Sinun ei tarvitse selittää' (You don't need to explain) can be a sign of deep trust or, conversely, a sign of frustration where the other person doesn't want to hear any more excuses. It captures the tension between transparency and over-justification.

Äiti selitti lapselle, miksi taivas on sininen.

Translation: The mother explained to the child why the sky is blue.

Learning to use selittää involves navigating several linguistic pitfalls. Because it translates simply to 'explain', English speakers often over-rely on it or misapply Finnish case logic. Understanding these common errors will help you sound more like a native speaker and avoid confusing your listeners.

Confusing with 'Kertoa': The most frequent mistake is using selittää when you just mean 'to tell'. If you say 'Selitän sinulle vitsin', it sounds like you are going to explain the mechanics of why the joke is funny, rather than actually telling the joke. Use kertoa for stories, jokes, and news.
Incorrect Case for the Recipient: Beginners often try to use the partitive or genitive for the person they are talking to. Remember: you explain to someone (-lle). Incorrect: *Selitin minun ystävää*. Correct: Selitin ystävälleni.

Hän selitti minulle (allative), mitä tapahtui.

Note: Always use the -lle ending for the person receiving the explanation.

Another subtle mistake involves the use of the frequentative form selitellä. While selittää is neutral, selitellä often implies making excuses. If you tell your boss 'Minä selittelen tätä raporttia', you are accidentally saying 'I am making excuses for this report'. Stick to the basic form unless you specifically mean to imply repetitive or defensive explaining.

*Hän selitti minua.* (Incorrect)

Correct: Hän selitti minulle. (He explained to me).

Object Case Confusion: Using the partitive when the explanation is finished and complete can make you sound like you are still in the middle of talking. Selitin suunnitelman (I explained the plan - it's done) vs Selitin suunnitelmaa (I was explaining the plan - maybe I was interrupted).

Finally, be careful with the word selostaa. It is often a synonym but specifically refers to narrating or giving a commentary (like in sports). If you are 'explaining' the rules of a game, use selittää. If you are 'narrating' the game as it happens, use selostaa. Mixing these up is a common B1-level error.

Älä selitä enää!

Translation: Don't explain anymore! (Often used when someone is tired of hearing excuses).

While selittää is the most common way to say 'explain', Finnish offers a rich palette of synonyms that can add precision and professional flair to your speech. Choosing the right alternative depends on whether you are clarifying a mystery, narrating an event, or illustrating a point with examples.

Selittää vs. Selostaa

Selittää: To provide the logic or reason (e.g., explaining why a chemical reaction happens).

Selostaa: To report or narrate a sequence of events (e.g., a sports commentator describing a match).

Selittää vs. Valottaa

Selittää: Direct explanation.

Valottaa: Literally 'to shed light on'. Used for providing more context or background information to make a situation easier to understand. Hän valotti päätöksen taustoja (He shed light on the background of the decision).

Selittää vs. Havainnollistaa

Selittää: Verbal explanation.

Havainnollistaa: To illustrate or demonstrate. Usually involves using examples, charts, or physical demonstrations to make a point clear. Havainnollistan tätä esimerkillä (I will illustrate this with an example).

Artikkeli valottaa uusia tutkimustuloksia.

Alternative: The article sheds light on new research results.

In more formal or academic contexts, you might use tulkita (to interpret). While selittää provides the 'how' or 'why', tulkita provides a specific perspective or meaning. For instance, a lawyer might tulkita lakia (interpret the law) rather than just explaining it. Another high-level alternative is perustella (to justify/give grounds for), which is used when you need to explain the reasons behind a specific choice or opinion.

Hän perusteli mielipiteensä hyvin.

Alternative: He justified his opinion well.

Finally, consider the colloquial selventää. It is very close to selittää but focuses specifically on the act of making something clearer that was previously misunderstood. If there is a misunderstanding, you say 'Haluaisin selventää tätä asiaa' (I would like to clarify this matter). It is often seen as more polite and collaborative than the potentially defensive selittää.

Voitko selventää, mitä tarkoitit?

Alternative: Can you clarify what you meant?

How Formal Is It?

フォーマル

"Tutkimus selittää ilmiön syy-seuraussuhteita."

ニュートラル

"Voisitko selittää tämän säännön?"

カジュアル

"Älä jaksa selittää!"

Child friendly

"Isä selittää, miksi kuu loistaa."

スラング

"Mitä sä selität?"

豆知識

The root 'sel-' is very old and connects to the idea of visibility. In ancient times, 'selkä' referred to the open, unobstructed part of a lake or sea where one could see far. Thus, to 'selittää' is metaphorically to take someone out of the foggy woods and onto the open water where everything is visible.

発音ガイド

UK /ˈselitːæː/

US /ˈselitːæː/

Primary stress is on the first syllable: SEL-it-tää.

韻が合う語

pelittää helittää välittää säälittää hälittää mälittää tälittää pälittää

よくある間違い

Pronouncing the double 't' as a single 't'.
Using an English 'a' sound instead of the Finnish 'ä'.
Stress on the second or third syllable.
Shortening the final 'ää' to a single 'ä'.
Confusing the 'e' sound with 'i'.

難易度

読解 2/5

Easy to recognize in texts due to its frequent use and clear root.

ライティング 3/5

Requires knowledge of object cases (accusative/partitive) and the allative for the recipient.

スピーキング 3/5

Common in conversation, but easy to confuse with 'kertoa' or 'selitellä'.

リスニング 2/5

Distinct pronunciation makes it easy to hear in speech.

次に学ぶべきこと

前提知識

selvä kertoa ymmärtää syy asia

次に学ぶ

selvittää perustella valottaa havainnollistaa tulkita

上級

eksegetiikka hermeneutiikka kausaliteetti eksplikoida

知っておくべき文法

The Allative Case for Recipients

Selitän asian opettajalle.

Accusative vs. Partitive Object

Selitin asian (complete) vs. Selitin asiaa (incomplete/ongoing).

Että-clauses (Indirect Speech)

Hän selitti, että hän on sairas.

Causative Verbs (-ittää)

Selvä (clear) -> Selittää (to make clear).

Third Infinitive in Illative (-mään)

Hän alkoi selittämään.

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レベル別の例文

Voitko selittää tämän sanan?

Can you explain this word?

Direct question using the infinitive.

Opettaja selittää säännön.

The teacher explains the rule.

Present tense, 3rd person singular.

Minä selitän minun nimen.

I explain my name.

1st person singular with possessive.

Hän selittää tien asemalle.

He explains the way to the station.

Transitive use with an object in the genitive/accusative.

Äiti selittää, missä kissa on.

Mother explains where the cat is.

Subordinate clause starting with 'missä'.

Selitä tämä minulle.

Explain this to me.

Imperative form (command).

Hän ei selitä hyvin.

He doesn't explain well.

Negative present tense.

Me selitämme pelin säännöt.

We explain the rules of the game.

1st person plural.

Hän selitti, miksi hän oli myöhässä.

He explained why he was late.

Past tense 'selitti' with a 'miksi' clause.

Voitko selittää tämän tehtävän?

Can you explain this task?

Polite request using 'voitko'.

Minä selitin asian hänelle.

I explained the matter to him.

Allative case 'hänelle' for the recipient.

Lääkäri selittää reseptin.

The doctor explains the prescription.

Accusative object 'reseptin'.

Hän selittää harrastustaan.

He is explaining his hobby.

Partitive object 'harrastustaan' suggesting ongoing action.

Meidän täytyy selittää tämä pomoille.

We have to explain this to the bosses.

Necessive construction 'täytyy' + infinitive.

Hän selitti suunnitelman lyhyesti.

He explained the plan briefly.

Adverb 'lyhyesti' modifying the verb.

Selitän sinulle myöhemmin.

I will explain to you later.

Future meaning expressed with present tense.

Hän selitti perusteellisesti, miten kone toimii.

He explained thoroughly how the machine works.

Adverb 'perusteellisesti' and 'miten' clause.

Tutkija selittää ilmiötä televisiossa.

The researcher is explaining the phenomenon on TV.

Partitive object 'ilmiötä' for a continuous process.

Voisitko selittää, mitä tämä tarkoittaa käytännössä?

Could you explain what this means in practice?

Conditional 'voisitko' for politeness.

Hän yritti selittää tekojaan, mutta kukaan ei uskonut.

He tried to explain his actions, but no one believed.

Verb 'yritti' + infinitive.

On vaikea selittää tätä tunnetta.

It is difficult to explain this feeling.

Impersonal construction 'on vaikea'.

Opas selitti rakennuksen historiaa.

The guide explained the history of the building.

Partitive 'historiaa' for a large topic.

Selitä se minulle vielä kerran.

Explain it to me once more.

Imperative with 'vielä kerran'.

Hän selitti asian parhain päin.

He explained the matter in the best possible light.

Idiomatic expression 'parhain päin'.

Artikkeli selittää talouskasvun syitä.

The article explains the reasons for economic growth.

Plural partitive object 'syitä'.

Hän selitti monimutkaisen teorian yksinkertaisesti.

He explained a complex theory simply.

Accusative object 'teorian'.

Tämä havainto selittää monta asiaa.

This observation explains many things.

Abstract subject 'havainto'.

Hän selitti kantansa selkeästi debatin aikana.

He explained his position clearly during the debate.

Possessive suffix '-nsa' on 'kantansa'.

Voisitko selittää prosessin vaihe vaiheelta?

Could you explain the process step by step?

Adverbial phrase 'vaihe vaiheelta'.

Hän selitti, ettei ollut tarkoittanut pahoittaa kenenkään mieltä.

He explained that he hadn't meant to hurt anyone's feelings.

Negative 'että' clause 'ettei'.

Tilastot selittävät muutoksen tarpeen.

The statistics explain the need for change.

Genitive object 'tarpeen'.

Hän selitti unensa merkitystä.

He was explaining the meaning of his dream.

Partitive 'merkitystä'.

Kirjailija selittää teoksensa symboliikkaa haastattelussa.

The author explains the symbolism of their work in an interview.

Professional/literary context.

Tämä teoria selittää kaikkeuden syntyä.

This theory explains the birth of the universe.

High-level scientific subject.

Hän selitti oikeudessa toimintansa motiiveja.

He explained the motives of his actions in court.

Legal context with plural partitive 'motiiveja'.

Analyysi selittää, miksi hanke epäonnistui.

The analysis explains why the project failed.

Analytical context.

Hän selitti asian niin, että kaikki ymmärsivät.

He explained the matter so that everyone understood.

Consecutive 'niin, että' structure.

Filosofi selittää olemassaolon perusteita.

The philosopher explains the foundations of existence.

Abstract philosophical context.

Hän selitti tilannetta historiallisesta näkökulmasta.

He explained the situation from a historical perspective.

Elative phrase 'näkökulmasta'.

On mahdotonta selittää tätä ilman taustatietoja.

It is impossible to explain this without background information.

Impersonal 'on mahdotonta'.

Hänen diskurssinsa selittää vallankäytön mekanismeja yhteiskunnassa.

His discourse explains the mechanisms of power in society.

Academic/sociological terminology.

Teos selittää ihmismielen pimeimpiä puolia.

The work explains the darkest sides of the human mind.

Literary/psychological depth.

Hän selitti fenomenologista lähestymistapaa yleisölle.

He explained the phenomenological approach to the audience.

Complex philosophical term.

Tämä malli selittää kvanttifysiikan paradokseja.

This model explains the paradoxes of quantum physics.

Theoretical physics context.

Hän selitti päätöksensä eettisiä ulottuvuuksia.

He explained the ethical dimensions of his decision.

Ethical/managerial context.

Runoilija selitti säkeistöjen välistä jännitettä.

The poet explained the tension between the stanzas.

Literary analysis.

Hän selitti, kuinka kieli rakentaa todellisuuttamme.

He explained how language constructs our reality.

Linguistic/philosophical concept.

Selitys selittää itsensä, jos se on tarpeeksi selkeä.

An explanation explains itself if it is clear enough.

Meta-linguistic paradox.

よく使う組み合わせ

selittää juurta jaksain

selittää parhain päin

selittää auki

selittää tarkasti

selittää lyhyesti

selittää ummet ja lammet

selittää päin honkia

selittää syy

selittää merkitys

selittää toimintaperiaate

よく使うフレーズ

Anna kun selitän.

— Let me explain. Used when someone is interrupting or jumping to conclusions.

Anna kun selitän, mitä oikeasti tapahtui.

Se selittää paljon.

— That explains a lot. Used when new information clarifies a previously confusing situation.

Ahaa, hän on väsynyt. Se selittää paljon.

Miten selität tämän?

— How do you explain this? Often used in a confrontational or questioning manner.

Miten selität nämä puuttuvat rahat?

Ei tarvitse selittää.

— No need to explain. Can be supportive or dismissive depending on the tone.

Kaikki on kunnossa, ei tarvitse selittää.

Selitäpä se!

— Go ahead and explain that! Used as a challenge to someone's logic.

Jos olet niin viisas, selitäpä se!

Vaikea selittää.

— Hard to explain. Used when something is complex or emotional.

Se oli outo kokemus, vaikea selittää.

Salli minun selittää.

— Allow me to explain. A formal way to start an explanation.

Salli minun selittää tilanne teille.

Selitä omin sanoin.

— Explain in your own words. Common in educational settings.

Selitä kirjan juoni omin sanoin.

Hän selittää aina.

— He is always explaining/making excuses. Often implies the person talks too much.

Älä kuuntele häntä, hän selittää aina.

Selitä se juurta jaksain.

— Explain it thoroughly (from the root to the branches).

Haluan kuulla kaiken, selitä se juurta jaksain.

よく混同される語

selittää vs kertoa

Kertoa is 'to tell' (facts/stories), while selittää is 'to explain' (reasons/logic).

selittää vs selvittää

Selvittää is 'to find out' or 'to solve', while selittää is 'to explain'.

selittää vs selostaa

Selostaa is 'to narrate' or 'report', often used in sports.

慣用句と表現

"selittää parhain päin"

— To explain something in the most favorable way possible, often spinning a mistake into something positive.

Hän yritti selittää myöhästymisensä parhain päin.

neutral

"selittää ummet ja lammet"

— To talk endlessly about everything and nothing; to give a very long and rambling explanation.

Hän selitti ummet ja lammet matkastaan.

informal

"selittää päin seiniä"

— To explain something completely incorrectly or nonsensically.

Hän selitti ohjeet ihan päin seiniä.

informal

"selittää ummet ja lammet"

— To talk at great length about various things, often without much substance.

Naapuri tuli ja selitti ummet ja lammet.

informal

"selittää musta valkoiseksi"

— To try to explain something so convincingly that you make a clear lie seem like the truth.

Hän pystyy selittämään mustan valkoiseksi.

neutral

"selittää ohi suunsa"

— To accidentally reveal something while explaining; to talk too much and slip up.

Hän selitti ohi suunsa ja paljasti salaisuuden.

informal

"selittää puhki"

— To over-explain something to the point that it loses its meaning or becomes boring.

Vitsi ei ole hauska, jos sen selittää puhki.

neutral

"selittää halki, poikki ja pinoon"

— To explain something very decisively and thoroughly, leaving no room for doubt.

Hän selitti säännöt halki, poikki ja pinoon.

informal

"selittää tyhjille seinille"

— To explain to someone who isn't listening or doesn't care (talking to empty walls).

Tuntuu kuin selittäisin tyhjille seinille.

informal

"selittää kieli keskellä suuta"

— To explain very carefully and precisely, often in a delicate situation.

Hän selitti tilanteen kieli keskellä suuta.

neutral

間違えやすい

selittää vs selvitä

Similar root 'sel-'.

Selvitä means to survive or to clear up (intransitive), whereas selittää is transitive and means to explain.

Selvisin kokeesta (I survived the exam) vs. Selitin kokeen (I explained the exam).

selittää vs selventää

Very similar meaning.

Selventää specifically means to make something clearer that was already known but confusing. Selittää is more general.

Voitko selventää tätä kohtaa? (Clarify this point).

selittää vs sanoa

Both involve speaking.

Sanoa is just 'to say'. Selittää requires providing a deeper meaning or reason.

Hän sanoi 'hei' vs. Hän selitti, miksi hän sanoi 'hei'.

selittää vs ilmoittaa

Both involve conveying information.

Ilmoittaa is 'to announce' or 'notify'. It doesn't require an explanation of why, just the what.

Hän ilmoitti muutoksesta vs. Hän selitti muutoksen syyt.

selittää vs mainita

Both involve oral/written communication.

Mainita is 'to mention' briefly. Selittää is to go into detail.

Hän mainitsi asiasta vs. Hän selitti asian juurta jaksain.

文型パターン

Minä selitän [Object].

Minä selitän sanan.

Hän selittää [Object] [Recipient]-lle.

Hän selittää asian minulle.

Voisitko selittää, [Question Word]...?

Voisitko selittää, miksi teit niin?

[Subject] selitti, että [Clause].

Pomo selitti, että budjetti on pieni.

[Subject] selittää [Object] [Adverb].

Hän selitti teorian perusteellisesti.

[Object] selitetään [Means]-lla.

Ilmiö selitetään tilastoilla.

[Subject] selittää [Abstract Concept] [Perspective]-sta.

Hän selittää moraalia filosofiasta käsin.

All

Älä selitä!

Älä selitä, tiedän jo totuuden.

語族

名詞

動詞

形容詞

使い方

frequency

Very high; used daily in almost all contexts.

よくある間違い

Selitin häntä. → Selitin hänelle.
The person you explain to must be in the allative case (-lle), not the partitive.
Selitän vitsin. → Kerron vitsin.
You 'tell' (kertoa) a joke. You only 'explain' (selittää) a joke if someone didn't get the point.
Hän selitä asian. → Hän selittää asian.
The 3rd person singular form requires the long vowel at the end: selittää.
Minä selitän, miksi minä olin myöhässä. → Selitin, miksi olin myöhässä.
Use the past tense (selitin) when explaining something that already happened.
Hän selittää minun virheen. → Hän selittää virheeni.
In formal or standard Finnish, use the possessive suffix (-ni) instead of just the pronoun 'minun'.

ヒント

Strong 'tt' Always

Don't be tempted to drop a 't'! Unlike many Type 1 verbs, 'selittää' keeps its double 't' in every conjugation. It's 'minä selitän', not 'selitän'.

Avoid Excuse-making

Be careful with the form 'selitellä'. If you say 'Minä selittelen', people might think you are making up lies or excuses. Stick to 'selittää' for neutral clarity.

Kertoa vs Selittää

Always ask yourself: Am I sharing a story (kertoa) or providing logic (selittää)? This distinction is key to sounding natural in Finnish.

Polite Clarification

Use 'Voisitko selittää?' to ask for help. It's a very polite and standard way to admit you don't understand something in a classroom or office.

Listen for the 'ää'

The long 'ää' at the end of the infinitive is very distinct. It helps you recognize the word even in fast speech.

Use Adverbs

Enhance your writing by adding adverbs like 'selkeästi' (clearly) or 'lyhyesti' (briefly) after 'selittää'.

Clear Sea

Link 'selittää' to 'selvä' (clear). You are making the situation clear like a calm sea.

Että-Connection

Practice connecting 'selittää' with 'että' (that) to form complex sentences. This is a hallmark of B1-level fluency.

Workplace Logic

In meetings, 'selittää' is your best friend for justifying decisions. It shows you have a logical basis for your actions.

Directness

Finns value a good explanation. Don't be afraid to 'selittää' in detail if someone asks—it shows respect for their intelligence.

暗記しよう

記憶術

Think of the word 'SELECT'. When you explain something, you SELECT the clearest words to make it SEL-ittää. Or imagine a SEA (selkä) that is CLEAR (selvä) so you can EXPLAIN (selittää) what's at the bottom.

視覚的連想

Imagine a foggy window. Someone takes a cloth and wipes a circle clean so you can see outside. That wiping action is 'selittää'—it makes the view 'selvä' (clear).

Word Web

selvä (clear) selkeys (clarity) selitys (explanation) selittää (to explain) selitellä (to make excuses) selostaa (to narrate) selventää (to clarify) selvitä (to clear up)

チャレンジ

Try to explain (selittää) your favorite recipe in Finnish using only five sentences. Focus on using the allative case for your imaginary listener!

語源

The verb 'selittää' is derived from the adjective 'selvä', which means 'clear' or 'plain'. It shares its root with 'selkä' (the open sea or back), which historically referred to a clear, open space. The suffix '-ittää' is a common causative or factitive verbal ending in Finnish, transforming the state of being 'clear' into the action of 'making clear'.

元の意味： To make clear; to bring into the open.

Uralic / Finnic

文化的な背景

Be careful using 'selitellä' (frequentative) as it can sound accusatory, implying the person is lying or making excuses.

English speakers often use 'explain' for both simple facts and complex logic. In Finnish, remember that 'kertoa' is often a better fit for simple sharing of information.

Finnish educational YouTube channels often start with 'Selitän tässä videossa...' Legal 'vastaselitys' is a key term in Finnish court proceedings. The song 'Selityksiä' by various Finnish artists often deals with the theme of excuses in relationships.

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

School/Education

Selitä omin sanoin.
Voitko selittää uudestaan?
Opettaja selittää kaavan.
Tehtävä on selittää historiaa.

Workplace

Selitä projektin vaiheet.
Hän selitti strategian.
Salli minun selittää päätös.
Selitän tämän raportissa.

Relationships

Sinun ei tarvitse selittää.
Hän selitti tunteitaan.
Älä yritä selittää tätä.
Haluan selittää, mitä tapahtui.

Media/News

Asiantuntija selittää tilannetta.
Artikkeli selittää syyt.
Uutiset selittävät lakia.
Video selittää kaiken.

Legal/Official

Selittää toimintansa.
Antaa selitys.
Selittää oikeudessa.
Vastaselitys on jätetty.

会話のきっかけ

"Voisitko selittää minulle, miten tämä laite toimii?"

"Osaatko selittää, miksi suomen kieli on niin vaikeaa?"

"Haluaisitko selittää tarkemmin, mitä tarkoitit tuolla kommentilla?"

"Voitko selittää, mikä on lempielokuvasi juoni lyhyesti?"

"Miten selittäisit ulkomaalaiselle, mitä 'sisu' tarkoittaa?"

日記のテーマ

Kirjoita tilanteesta, jossa jouduit selittämään jotain vaikeaa jollekulle toiselle.

Miten selittäisit oman elämäntilanteesi tällä hetkellä ystävällesi?

Pohdi, onko selittäminen aina tarpeellista vai onko joskus parempi olla hiljaa.

Selitä jokin monimutkainen unesi ja yritä löytää sille jokin merkitys.

Kirjoita kuvitteellinen selitys sille, miksi avaruusolennot eivät ole vielä ottaneet meihin yhteyttä.

よくある質問

10 問

Not always, but if you are mentioning the person you are explaining to, you must use the allative case (-lle). For example, 'Selitän sinulle'. If you are just saying 'I am explaining the rule', you don't need it: 'Selitän sääntöä'.

'Selittää' is a neutral verb meaning to explain. 'Selitellä' is the frequentative form, which often implies that someone is making excuses or talking too much to justify themselves. Use 'selittää' for facts and 'selitellä' for suspicious excuses.

No, you should use 'kertoa' for jokes. If you 'selittää' a joke, it means you are explaining the punchline to someone who didn't understand it, which usually makes the joke less funny!

No, 'selittää' is a Type 1 verb that does not have consonant gradation. The 'tt' remains strong in all forms, such as 'minä selitän', 'sinä selität', 'hän selittää'.

You can say 'Selitäpä!' or more formally 'Selitä toimintasi'. In a confrontational way, you might say 'Nyt selität!'

Yes, especially in contexts like 'selittää unta' (to interpret a dream) or 'raamatunselitys' (biblical exegesis/interpretation).

Usually, 'selostaa' is used for sports commentary (narrating the action), but 'selittää' might be used if a commentator is explaining a specific rule or a tactical move.

It can take the accusative if the explanation is finished and complete ('Selitin asian') or the partitive if the action is ongoing or the topic is broad ('Selitin asiaa').

Yes, it is extremely common. It is a B1 level word that every learner should know to participate in meaningful conversations.

Yes, many! One of the most common is 'selittää parhain päin', which means to put a positive spin on a bad situation.

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