At the A1 level, the word 'explication' is introduced as a basic vocabulary item related to the classroom environment and simple daily interactions. Beginners learn to recognize the word when a teacher says 'Écoutez l'explication' (Listen to the explanation). They are taught that it is a feminine noun, meaning they must use 'une' or 'la' with it. At this stage, learners are not expected to produce complex sentences using the word, but rather to understand its meaning in highly contextualized, simple phrases. They might learn to say 'Je ne comprends pas, une explication s'il vous plaît' (I don't understand, an explanation please) as a survival phrase to ask for help. The focus is entirely on comprehension and very basic production, linking the noun to the already familiar verb 'expliquer' (to explain). It forms part of their foundational toolkit for navigating a language learning environment where asking for clarification is a constant necessity.
At the A2 level, learners begin to actively use 'explication' in their own sentences to describe simple situations and express basic needs. They learn to combine it with common verbs like 'donner' (to give) and 'demander' (to ask for). For example, an A2 student can comfortably say 'Je demande une explication' (I ask for an explanation) or 'Il donne une bonne explication' (He gives a good explanation). They also start using simple adjectives to modify the noun, such as 'claire' (clear) or 'longue' (long). The contexts expand beyond the classroom to everyday scenarios, such as shopping, asking for directions, or talking about daily routines. Learners at this stage are taught to avoid the common mistake of using 'pour' instead of 'de' or 'sur' when linking the explanation to its subject, though errors are still common. The word becomes a functional tool for basic problem-solving in French.
At the B1 level, the usage of 'explication' becomes much more nuanced and integrated into complex sentence structures. Learners are expected to use it to narrate events, justify opinions, and handle unpredictable situations. They learn phrases like 'fournir une explication' (to provide an explanation) and 'sans explication' (without explanation). They can understand and produce sentences like 'Je n'ai pas pu venir à la réunion, et je vais vous donner une explication détaillée' (I couldn't come to the meeting, and I will give you a detailed explanation). At this stage, they also begin to grasp the idiomatic use of the plural 'avoir des explications avec quelqu'un' (to have it out with someone / to demand an explanation from someone in a conflict). The word is used to express cause and effect, and learners can distinguish it from similar words like 'excuse' or 'justification' in standard contexts.
At the B2 level, learners wield 'explication' with a high degree of fluency and precision, appropriate for both professional and academic environments. They can comprehend abstract and complex explanations in native-level texts and audio. In their own production, they use sophisticated collocations such as 'exiger une explication' (to demand an explanation), 'une explication plausible' (a plausible explanation), or 'une explication rationnelle' (a rational explanation). They are comfortable using it in formal correspondence, such as writing a letter of complaint that states 'J'attends une explication de votre part concernant ce dysfonctionnement' (I expect an explanation from you regarding this malfunction). Furthermore, B2 learners understand the cultural nuances of demanding or offering explanations in French society, navigating the register seamlessly between polite inquiry and assertive demand without causing unintended offense.
At the C1 level, the mastery of 'explication' is near-native. Learners understand implicit meanings, irony, and subtle shifts in tone when the word is used. They can engage in complex debates where they must deconstruct someone else's 'explication' or defend their own using highly articulate and varied vocabulary. They use advanced structures like 'Il n'y a d'autre explication que...' (There is no other explanation than...) or 'Ceci se passe de toute explication' (This requires no explanation / speaks for itself). They are fully aware of literary and academic usages, such as the formal 'explication de texte' exercise. At this level, learners rarely make gender or prepositional errors with the word, and they effortlessly substitute it with high-level synonyms like 'éclaircissement' or 'élucidation' to avoid repetition and elevate their rhetorical style in essays and formal presentations.
At the C2 level, the user has absolute command over the word 'explication' in all its forms, registers, and historical contexts. They can play with the word stylistically, using it in creative writing, complex legal or philosophical discourse, and nuanced diplomatic language. They understand regional variations, slang derivatives, and archaic uses if they appear in classical literature. A C2 speaker can manipulate the word to convey subtle sarcasm, such as saying 'Quelle brillante explication !' (What a brilliant explanation!) when someone gives a terrible excuse. They can seamlessly integrate the word into highly complex, multi-clause sentences without losing grammatical cohesion. The word is no longer just a vocabulary item but a conceptual tool used to structure thought, critique arguments, and navigate the absolute highest levels of French intellectual and social interaction with complete naturalness and authority.

explication 30秒了解

  • Feminine noun ending in -tion.
  • Means 'explanation' or 'clarification'.
  • Used with verbs like donner, demander, fournir.
  • Plural form can mean a confrontation or argument.

The French noun explication (feminine) refers to the act of explaining, clarifying, or providing details about a specific topic, event, or situation to make it comprehensible. It is derived from the Latin explicatio, meaning an unfolding or unrolling, which metaphorically translates to unfolding a complex idea so that it can be easily understood by others. In everyday French, you will encounter this word frequently in both formal and informal contexts, ranging from a teacher giving a lesson to a friend clarifying a misunderstanding. Understanding how to use this word is crucial for achieving fluency, as it forms the backbone of communicative repair and elaboration.

Literal Meaning
The process of making something clear or easy to understand.
Grammatical Gender
Feminine (une explication, l'explication, des explications).
Common Usage
Used with verbs like donner, demander, fournir, and exiger.

Le professeur donne une explication très claire à ses élèves.

Je ne comprends pas, j'ai besoin d'une explication.

Son explication était confuse et difficile à suivre.

Nous attendons une explication logique de votre part.

Il a refusé de fournir la moindre explication sur son absence.

Furthermore, the concept of an explication extends beyond simple definitions. It encompasses justifications for behavior, detailed instructions for a task, and the unraveling of mysteries. When someone acts out of character, you might demand an explication. When a machine breaks down, the manual provides an explication of its mechanisms. This versatility makes it a high-frequency word that learners must master early on. It bridges the gap between simple vocabulary acquisition and complex discourse management, allowing learners to navigate situations where meaning breaks down and needs to be reconstructed collaboratively.

Using explication correctly involves understanding its collocations and the prepositions that follow it. Most commonly, it is the direct object of verbs related to communication and demand. You 'give' (donner), 'provide' (fournir), 'ask for' (demander), or 'demand' (exiger) an explication. The preposition that typically follows is 'sur' (about/on) or 'de' (of). For example, 'une explication sur le problème' means an explanation about the problem. It is also frequently modified by adjectives to describe the quality of the explanation: claire (clear), détaillée (detailed), brève (brief), or confuse (confusing). Mastering these combinations will make your French sound much more natural and precise.

With Verbs
Donner, fournir, demander, obtenir, exiger, chercher.
With Adjectives
Claire, précise, détaillée, longue, brève, convaincante.
With Prepositions
Explication de (explanation of), explication sur (explanation about).

Elle a donné une explication détaillée sur le projet.

Pouvez-vous me fournir une explication plus simple ?

Il exige une explication immédiate pour ce retard.

Je cherche une explication à ce phénomène étrange.

C'est la seule explication plausible que nous ayons.

In negative contexts, you might say 'il n'y a pas d'explication' (there is no explanation). When dealing with plural forms, 'des explications' is very common when someone is in trouble and needs to explain themselves, as in 'Tu me dois des explications !' (You owe me explanations!). This plural usage often carries a slightly confrontational or serious tone, implying that a single excuse will not suffice. Understanding these nuances allows you to adjust your register and tone appropriately, whether you are in a polite academic setting or a heated personal disagreement.

The word explication is ubiquitous across various spheres of French life. In educational settings, it is the cornerstone of pedagogy; teachers constantly provide 'des explications' to help students grasp complex subjects. In the professional world, it is used in meetings, reports, and emails when clarifying strategies, justifying decisions, or troubleshooting issues. You will also hear it frequently in everyday interpersonal communication, especially when resolving conflicts or misunderstandings. Furthermore, it appears in media, journalism, and literature, where experts and commentators offer their 'explications' on current events, scientific discoveries, or social phenomena.

At School
Teachers giving lessons, students asking for help.
At Work
Managers explaining new policies, employees justifying actions.
In Relationships
Partners resolving arguments, friends clearing up confusion.

Le guide touristique a donné une explication fascinante sur le château.

Le mécanicien m'a fourni une explication sur la panne de ma voiture.

Après leur dispute, ils ont eu besoin d'une longue explication.

Le journaliste a publié une explication de la nouvelle loi.

Le médecin a pris le temps de donner une explication au patient.

It is also a key term in administrative contexts. If your visa application is delayed, you might call the prefecture to ask for an explication. If your bank blocks a transaction, they owe you an explication. The cultural weight of the word in France is tied to the French appreciation for logic, debate, and clarity (the famous 'esprit cartésien'). A good explication is highly valued, and the inability to provide one is often seen as a failure of reasoning or responsibility. Therefore, recognizing and using this word appropriately connects you deeply to the cultural expectations of communication in the Francophone world.

While explication is a straightforward cognate for English speakers, there are several common pitfalls learners encounter. The most frequent mistake is incorrect gender assignment. Because it ends in -tion, it is feminine, but learners sometimes mistakenly use 'le' or 'un' due to the starting vowel, confusing the elision (l'explication) with masculinity. Another common error involves prepositions. English speakers often want to say 'explication pour' (explanation for), but in French, it is more natural to say 'explication de' (explanation of) or 'explication sur' (explanation about). Additionally, learners sometimes confuse the noun 'explication' with the verb 'expliquer' in sentence construction, leading to awkward phrasing.

Gender Error
Saying 'un explication' instead of 'une explication'.
Preposition Error
Using 'pour' instead of 'de' or 'sur' after the noun.
Verb Confusion
Using the noun when the verb 'expliquer' is needed.

Incorrect: Il a donné un explication. Correct: Il a donné une explication.

Incorrect: L'explication pour le retard. Correct: L'explication du retard.

Incorrect: Je veux explication ça. Correct: Je veux expliquer ça.

Incorrect: C'est mon explication (pronunciation error without liaison). Correct: C'est mon [n] explication.

Incorrect: Demander pour une explication. Correct: Demander une explication.

Another subtle mistake is overusing the word when a synonym might be more appropriate. For instance, if you are making an excuse, 'une excuse' or 'une justification' might fit better than 'une explication', which implies a more objective clarification of facts. Furthermore, learners sometimes struggle with the plural form in idiomatic expressions. Saying 'avoir une explication avec quelqu'un' means to have a clearing of the air or a confrontation, not just receiving data. Misunderstanding this nuance can lead to social awkwardness if you invite someone for 'une explication' thinking it means a simple chat, when they might interpret it as an impending argument.

To enrich your vocabulary, it is important to distinguish explication from its synonyms and related terms. While 'explication' is the most general term for making something clear, words like 'clarification', 'justification', 'démonstration', and 'excuse' carry specific nuances. A 'clarification' is used when something is already partially understood but needs to be made less ambiguous. A 'justification' involves defending an action or proving it was right, often carrying a moral or defensive tone. A 'démonstration' is a practical, often visual, showing of how something works. An 'excuse' is an explanation given to apologize for a fault or failure. Knowing when to use which word elevates your French from basic to advanced.

Clarification
Making a specific point less confusing or ambiguous.
Justification
Providing a valid reason or defense for an action.
Démonstration
Showing practically how something operates or is true.

Cette théorie nécessite une explication approfondie.

J'ai besoin d'une clarification sur ce point précis, pas d'une explication complète.

Son retard n'a aucune justification, même s'il a donné une explication.

Le vendeur a fait une démonstration au lieu d'une simple explication verbale.

Il a présenté ses excuses accompagnées d'une brève explication.

By understanding this semantic field, you can be much more precise. If a colleague's email is vague, you ask for a clarification. If a child breaks a vase, you demand an explication. If an employee is late, they provide a justification or an excuse. If a scientist presents a new formula, they give a démonstration. Building this web of related vocabulary around the core word 'explication' helps solidify your understanding and prevents repetitive language use. It also aids in reading comprehension, as you will be able to detect the subtle attitudes and intentions of the writer based on which specific noun they choose to employ in the text.

How Formal Is It?

难度评级

需要掌握的语法

Feminine nouns ending in -tion.

Elision (l' instead of la before a vowel).

Possessive adjectives before a vowel (son explication, not sa explication).

Prepositions after nouns (explication de / sur).

Agreement of adjectives with feminine nouns (explication claire).

按水平分级的例句

1

C'est une bonne explication.

It is a good explanation.

Uses the feminine indefinite article 'une'.

2

Je veux une explication.

I want an explanation.

Basic subject-verb-object structure with 'vouloir'.

3

L'explication est simple.

The explanation is simple.

Uses the definite article 'l'' before a vowel.

4

Merci pour l'explication.

Thank you for the explanation.

Common polite phrase using 'pour'.

5

Il donne une explication.

He gives an explanation.

Uses the common verb 'donner'.

6

Écoutez l'explication.

Listen to the explanation.

Imperative form of 'écouter'.

7

C'est l'explication du professeur.

It is the teacher's explanation.

Uses 'du' to show possession (de + le).

8

Une explication, s'il vous plaît.

An explanation, please.

A survival phrase for beginners.

1

Je demande une explication claire.

I ask for a clear explanation.

Adjective 'claire' agrees in gender (feminine).

2

Son explication est très longue.

His/her explanation is very long.

Possessive adjective 'son' is used before a vowel, even for feminine nouns.

3

Nous avons besoin d'une explication.

We need an explanation.

Uses the expression 'avoir besoin de'.

4

Tu peux me donner une explication ?

Can you give me an explanation?

Uses modal verb 'pouvoir' + infinitive.

5

Je ne comprends pas ton explication.

I don't understand your explanation.

Negative structure 'ne... pas'.

6

Il a donné une explication sur le problème.

He gave an explanation about the problem.

Uses the preposition 'sur' to mean 'about'.

7

C'est une explication logique.

It's a logical explanation.

Adjective placed after the noun.

8

Elle cherche une explication.

She is looking for an explanation.

Uses the verb 'chercher' (to look for).

1

Le directeur a fourni une explication détaillée à l'équipe.

The manager provided a detailed explanation to the team.

Uses the more formal verb 'fournir' and past tense (passé composé).

2

Il est parti sans aucune explication.

He left without any explanation.

Uses 'sans aucune' for emphasis (without any).

3

Je refuse d'accepter cette explication.

I refuse to accept this explanation.

Uses 'refuser de' + infinitive.

4

Avez-vous une explication pour ce retard ?

Do you have an explanation for this delay?

Formal inversion 'Avez-vous'.

5

L'explication qu'il a donnée était fausse.

The explanation that he gave was false.

Past participle agreement 'donnée' because the direct object 'qu'' precedes the verb.

6

Nous devons trouver une explication à ce phénomène.

We must find an explanation for this phenomenon.

Uses 'explication à' (explanation for/to).

7

Son explication m'a semblé un peu confuse.

His explanation seemed a bit confusing to me.

Uses the verb 'sembler' (to seem).

8

Tu me dois des explications !

You owe me explanations!

Idiomatic use of the plural to demand accountability.

1

J'exige une explication immédiate concernant cette erreur.

I demand an immediate explanation regarding this error.

Uses the strong verb 'exiger' and the present participle 'concernant'.

2

Son explication, bien que plausible, ne m'a pas convaincu.

His explanation, although plausible, did not convince me.

Uses the concessive phrase 'bien que' (although).

3

L'auteur consacre un chapitre entier à l'explication de sa théorie.

The author dedicates an entire chapter to the explanation of his theory.

Uses 'consacrer à' (to dedicate to).

4

Il s'est lancé dans une longue explication pour se justifier.

He launched into a long explanation to justify himself.

Uses the reflexive phrase 'se lancer dans' (to launch into).

5

Cette situation inédite requiert une explication approfondie.

This unprecedented situation requires a thorough explanation.

Uses formal vocabulary 'inédite', 'requiert', 'approfondie'.

6

À défaut d'une meilleure explication, nous accepterons celle-ci.

For lack of a better explanation, we will accept this one.

Uses the formal expression 'À défaut de' (for lack of).

7

L'explication réside dans la différence de température.

The explanation lies in the temperature difference.

Uses the verb 'résider dans' (to lie in / to be found in).

8

Ils ont eu une explication orageuse hier soir.

They had a stormy explanation (argument) last night.

Idiomatic use meaning a heated argument or confrontation.

1

Ceci se passe de toute explication.

This requires no explanation (speaks for itself).

Advanced idiomatic structure 'se passer de' (to do without).

2

L'explication fournie par le gouvernement a été jugée lacunaire par l'opposition.

The explanation provided by the government was deemed incomplete by the opposition.

Passive voice structure and advanced vocabulary 'lacunaire'.

3

Il a tenté de noyer le poisson sous un flot d'explications techniques.

He tried to dodge the issue under a flood of technical explanations.

Uses the idiom 'noyer le poisson' (to confuse the issue).

4

L'explication de texte est un exercice canonique de la littérature française.

Textual analysis is a canonical exercise in French literature.

Refers to a specific cultural/academic concept 'explication de texte'.

5

Toute tentative d'explication rationnelle se heurte à l'absurdité des faits.

Any attempt at a rational explanation comes up against the absurdity of the facts.

Uses 'se heurter à' (to come up against / clash with).

6

Sous couvert d'une explication pédagogique, il a fait passer son idéologie.

Under the guise of an educational explanation, he passed on his ideology.

Uses the advanced prepositional phrase 'Sous couvert de' (Under the guise of).

7

La complexité du phénomène défie toute explication simpliste.

The complexity of the phenomenon defies any simplistic explanation.

Uses the verb 'défier' (to defy) with 'toute' meaning 'any'.

8

Il nous a gratifiés d'une explication pour le moins alambiquée.

He graced us with an explanation that was convoluted to say the least.

Uses 'gratifier de' (often ironic) and 'alambiquée' (convoluted).

1

L'explication ontologique de l'être échappe souvent à l'entendement commun.

The ontological explanation of being often escapes common understanding.

Highly academic philosophical vocabulary.

2

Il s'est fendu d'une explication oiseuse qui n'a fait qu'attiser la polémique.

He came out with a pointless explanation that only fueled the controversy.

Uses 'se fendre de' (to go to the trouble of producing, often ironic) and 'oiseuse' (idle/pointless).

3

Cette exégèse constitue l'explication définitive de l'œuvre proustienne.

This exegesis constitutes the definitive explanation of Proust's work.

Literary vocabulary 'exégèse' used as a near-synonym.

4

L'absence d'explication vaut parfois aveu.

The absence of an explanation is sometimes tantamount to a confession.

Uses 'valoir' in the sense of 'to be equivalent to'.

5

Il a éludé la question, substituant à l'explication attendue une rhétorique creuse.

He evaded the question, substituting empty rhetoric for the expected explanation.

Complex syntax using a present participle 'substituant'.

6

Quémander une explication à ce stade relèverait de la pure naïveté.

Begging for an explanation at this stage would be pure naivety.

Uses formal verb 'quémander' and conditional 'relèverait de'.

7

L'explication sous-jacente à cette crise systémique est multifactorielle.

The underlying explanation for this systemic crisis is multifactorial.

Advanced academic adjectives 'sous-jacente', 'systémique', 'multifactorielle'.

8

Il n'a daigné fournir la moindre bribe d'explication.

He did not deign to provide the slightest shred of an explanation.

Uses 'daigner' (to deign) and 'bribe' (shred/scrap).

常见搭配

donner une explication
demander une explication
fournir une explication
exiger une explication
une explication claire
une explication détaillée
une explication logique
sans explication
une explication de texte
avoir une explication avec

容易混淆的词

explication vs excuse (An excuse to get out of trouble, whereas an explication is just facts).

explication vs raison (The cause of something, whereas an explication is the act of communicating that cause).

explication vs implication (A consequence or involvement, sounds similar but means something completely different).

容易混淆

explication vs

explication vs

explication vs

explication vs

explication vs

句型

如何使用

note

While 'explication' is the direct translation of 'explanation', English speakers often use 'explanation' where French speakers might prefer 'raison' (reason). For example, 'What is the explanation for your lateness?' is better translated as 'Quelle est la raison de ton retard ?' rather than 'Quelle est l'explication...'. Use 'explication' when a process of clarifying or detailing is actually required.

常见错误
  • Saying 'un explication' instead of 'une explication'.
  • Writing 'explanation' (English spelling) instead of 'explication'.
  • Saying 'sa explication' instead of 'son explication'.
  • Using 'explication pour' instead of 'explication sur' or 'explication de'.
  • Using the noun 'explication' when the verb 'expliquer' is needed (e.g., 'Je veux explication ça' instead of 'Je veux expliquer ça').

小贴士

Always Feminine

Remember the rule: words ending in -tion are feminine. Une explication, la belle explication.

The Liaison is Key

When saying 'les explications' or 'des explications', you must pronounce the 's' as a 'z' sound connecting to the 'e'.

Son vs Sa

Even though it's feminine, you must say 'son explication' (his/her explanation) and not 'sa explication' because it starts with a vowel.

Donner vs Fournir

Use 'donner une explication' in daily life, but upgrade to 'fournir une explication' in professional emails or essays to sound more advanced.

Sur, not Pour

To say 'an explanation about the delay', say 'une explication sur le retard', avoiding the English trap of using 'pour'.

The French Debate

Don't be afraid to ask for 'des explications' in France. The culture values clarity and logical debate, so asking 'why' is encouraged.

Avoir une explication

If a French person says 'Il faut qu'on ait une explication', brace yourself. It means they want to resolve a conflict or have an argument.

C instead of N

Watch your spelling! It's expliCation in French, not explaNation like in English. The middle part is different.

Mix it up

If you use the word too much, swap it out for 'clarification' or 'justification' depending on the exact context.

Catching the Plural

In spoken French, the only way to hear the difference between 'l'explication' and 'les explications' is the 'z' liaison sound. Train your ear for it!

记住它

记忆技巧

Imagine an EX-convict PLIably CAching TIONs (actions) by giving a clear EXPLANATION to the police.

词源

Latin

文化背景

Demanding 'des explications' from a partner or friend implies a serious conversation to resolve a conflict, not just a casual chat.

The 'explication de texte' is a uniquely French academic tradition focusing on deep, structural analysis of a short text excerpt.

在生活中练习

真实语境

对话开场白

"Peux-tu me donner une explication sur ce qui s'est passé hier ?"

"Quelle est ton explication pour ce phénomène ?"

"As-tu une explication logique à me fournir ?"

"Je ne comprends pas ce document, j'ai besoin d'une explication."

"Comment s'est passée ton explication avec lui ?"

日记主题

Racontez une fois où vous avez dû donner une explication difficile à quelqu'un.

Quelle est l'explication la plus étrange que vous ayez jamais entendue ?

Pourquoi est-il parfois difficile d'accepter l'explication d'une autre personne ?

Décrivez un concept complexe en donnant une explication très simple.

Avez-vous déjà refusé de donner une explication ? Pourquoi ?

常见问题

10 个问题

It is feminine. Like almost all French words ending in '-tion', it takes the feminine articles 'une' or 'la'. However, remember to use 'l'' instead of 'la' because it starts with a vowel, and use 'son' instead of 'sa' for the possessive.

You can say 'J'ai besoin d'une explication'. If you want to be more direct, you can say 'Je veux une explication' (I want an explanation) or 'Il me faut une explication' (I need an explanation).

An 'excuse' is given to apologize for a mistake or to avoid blame. An 'explication' is simply the detailing of facts or reasons why something happened, without necessarily implying an apology. You can give an explanation without giving an excuse.

Yes, 'des explications' is very common. It is often used when demanding accountability, as in 'Tu me dois des explications' (You owe me explanations). It implies that a single simple answer won't be enough.

Usually 'de' or 'sur'. You give an 'explication de' (explanation of) a text, or an 'explication sur' (explanation about) a situation. Do not use 'pour' (for) as a direct translation from English.

This is an idiomatic expression that means to have a serious talk, a clearing of the air, or even an argument with someone to resolve a conflict. It's much heavier than just chatting.

It is a traditional French academic exercise where a student deeply analyzes a short excerpt of literature, explaining its structure, themes, and stylistic devices line by line.

In French, '-tion' is pronounced like 'si-on' with a nasal 'on' at the end. It sounds like /sjɔ̃/. It does NOT sound like the English 'shun'.

The most common are 'donner' (to give), 'demander' (to ask for), 'fournir' (to provide - more formal), and 'exiger' (to demand - very strong).

It is a neutral word. It is perfectly normal to use it in everyday casual conversation, but it is also completely appropriate in highly formal, academic, or professional writing.

自我测试 180 个问题

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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