説明書（せつめいしょ、setsumeisho）
- instruction manual

The Japanese word 説明書 説明書 (せつめいしょ, *setsumeisho*) means "instruction manual," "manual," "explanatory document," or "directions." It's a document that provides detailed information on how to use, operate, assemble, or understand something. It's used to clarify the functionality, procedures, or specifications of a product or process. 説明書s are common for a wide variety of items.

⚫︎このカメラには説明書が付属しています。 Translation: This camera comes with an instruction manual. ⚫︎説明書を読んでから、この機械を使いましょう。 Translation: Let's use this machine after reading the manual. ⚫︎新しいゲームの説明書はとても分かりやすいです。 Translation: The instruction manual for the new game is very easy to understand.

You use 説明書 when you are referring to a document that provides instructions or explanations. ⚫︎It's common to use it when talking about products like electronics, appliances, or toys. ⚫︎You can also use it in situations where you need to understand the procedure. For example: a software tutorial, or a set of rules.

⚫︎The word 説明書 is written in kanji and hiragana. ⚫︎The kanji is 説明 which means "explanation" or "description", and 書 which means "book" or "document". ⚫︎The reading uses hiragana for the suffix 書. ⚫︎There is no variation in okurigana.

There aren't many direct synonyms for 説明書, as it is a very specific term. However, depending on the context, you could use these words: ⚫︎マニュアル (*manyuaru*) - "Manual" (loan word) ⚫︎取扱説明書 (*torisetsumeisho*) - "Instruction manual" (more formal) ⚫︎案内書 (*annaijo*) - "Guide," "guidance"

There are not clear antonyms. It depends on the context. If referring to a complex machine, a simple machine is the antithesis. If referring to a manual, the antithesis would be something that is not explained.

この製品の説明書には、安全に関する重要な情報が書かれています。 ・Translation: The instruction manual for this product contains important safety information. ・Explanation: This sentence highlights the importance of the instruction manual for understanding safety precautions.

説明書を紛失してしまったので、操作方法が分かりません。 ・Translation: I lost the instruction manual, so I don't know how to operate it. ・Explanation: This sentence indicates a problem resulting from the loss of the instruction manual.

The word is a combination of two kanji: 説明 (setsumei), which is the verb or noun "explanation," and 書 (sho), meaning "book" or "document." Thus, the word logically translates to "explanatory document" or "instruction manual".