Meanings of 解
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 解
Podcast: 解
Podcast: 解
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 解
解 (jiě) vs 释 (shì) — use 解 for solving problems or explaining, while 释 is more about clarifying meanings or interpretations.
Common mistakes include using 解 in overly formal contexts where simpler words like 说 (shuō) for 'to say' may suffice. Be mindful of tone; '解' is pronounced with the third tone, which can be confused with the first tone if not practiced. It's often used in phrases like 解答 (jiědá, 'to answer') and 解锁 (jiěsuǒ, 'to unlock').
Although '解' does not appear in the HSK lists, it is essential for students to learn due to its frequent usage in phrases and its various meanings. Students should focus on context-based usage and collocations with this character, as understanding its nuances will enhance comprehension in dialogues and reading.
Learners often confuse 解 with similar-sounding words like 些 (xiē) or 见 (jiàn). For example, saying 解题 (jiětí) instead of 见题 (jiàntí) when referring to 'seeing a problem' is incorrect; remember 解 specifically means 'to solve.'
Pronunciation of 解
Drill the tone of 解 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 解
Depicts separating (解) the horns (角) from a cow (牛) using a knife (刀).
To cut 刀 the horns 角 off of an ox 牛; 角 also provides the pronunciation
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 解
Depicts separating (解) the horns (角) from a cow (牛) using a knife (刀).
- 1The giveawayTo cut 刀 the horns 角 off of an ox 牛; 角 also provides the pronunciation
- 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 解? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 解?
Decomposition of 解
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 解?
How to say to divide in Chinese
“to divide” in Chinese is解
The character 解 (jiě) primarily means 'to solve' or 'to explain.' It is often used in contexts involving problem-solving, such as 解题 (jiětí), meaning 'to solve a problem.' Additionally, it can denote the act of loosening or untying something, emphasizing the idea of separation or dissolution.
When to use 解
Common mistakes include using 解 in overly formal contexts where simpler words like 说 (shuō) for 'to say' may suffice. Be mindful of tone; '解' is pronounced with the third tone, which can be confused with the first tone if not practiced. It's often used in phrases like 解答 (jiědá, 'to answer') and 解锁 (jiěsuǒ, 'to unlock').
解 or something close to it
解 (jiě) vs 释 (shì) — use 解 for solving problems or explaining, while 释 is more about clarifying meanings or interpretations.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 解 with similar-sounding words like 些 (xiē) or 见 (jiàn). For example, saying 解题 (jiětí) instead of 见题 (jiàntí) when referring to 'seeing a problem' is incorrect; remember 解 specifically means 'to solve.'
Write 解
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 解 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 解
解 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 21 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The patterns below break down its most common sentence frames, with example sentences and practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) for each one.
This structure emphasizes the action of the verb, often used to specify the manner or reason of the action.
这是我解题的方法。
This is the method I use to solve problems.
Complete the Sentence
专家们对这个问题进行了讨论，并且提出了____决办法。
The experts discussed this problem and moreover proposed a solution.
Usage Notes for 解
The verb '解' is often used transitively, meaning it generally requires a direct object to complete its meaning.
我解了这个问题。
I solved this problem.
Fill in the Blank
我____了这个问题。
I solved this problem.
Example Sentences for 解 (10)
Cultural Notes for 解
The character 解 is interesting because it combines the radical for 'knife' 刀, suggesting an action of cutting or dividing, which aligns with its meanings related to separation and solving.
There's a Chinese proverb: '解铃还须系铃人', meaning 'To untie the bell, one must find the person who tied it.' This emphasizes the idea that to solve a problem, one must understand its origins.
Word Family of 解
Compound Meaning
What does 蟹 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 解
解 (jiě) generally implies a more complex separation, such as resolving or dissolving something, while 分 (fēn) typically refers to dividing or distributing. For example, 分 is used in contexts like 分开 (fēnkāi), meaning 'to separate' in a more straightforward manner.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 解?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.