How to Say "Can You Explain This Problem?" in Mandarin Chinese
Learn to ask a teacher or classmate to explain an academic problem in Mandarin. Covers 能, 一下, 这道题, and 怎么, with polite classroom phrases.
By PookieFriends & plans · Yapr Learn
In a Chinese classroom or study group, asking for help with a specific problem is a core academic skill. The phrase 你能解释一下这道题吗？ (Nǐ néng jiěshì yíxià zhè dào tí ma?) means "Can you explain this problem?" and is used when you want a teacher or classmate to walk you through a homework or test question. This lesson teaches the exact pattern, the measure word 道 for problems, and how to adjust politeness for a teacher versus a peer. You will also learn to say what you do not understand, so your request is clear and easy to answer.
By the end, you can…
- ask someone to explain a specific academic problem using 你能解释一下这道题吗？
- name what I do not understand with 我不懂 and 我不明白.
- use 怎么 to ask how to solve a problem.
- adjust my request for a teacher versus a classmate.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
你能解释一下这道题吗？
Can you explain this problem?
Nǐ néng jiěshì yíxià zhè dào tí ma?
The main phrase. Use it with a classmate or teacher when you want a specific problem explained. 一下 softens the request.
这道题怎么做？
How do you do this problem?
Zhè dào tí zěnme zuò?
A direct way to ask for the method. Good for homework or exercises. 怎么 asks "how."
我不懂这道题。
I don't understand this problem.
Wǒ bù dǒng zhè dào tí.
States the problem before asking for help. 不懂 means "don't understand" and is common for academic content.
老师，您能再讲一遍吗？
Teacher, can you explain it again?
Lǎoshī, nín néng zài jiǎng yí biàn ma?
Polite request to a teacher. 您 is the respectful "you." 再讲一遍 means "explain one more time."
你能帮我看看这道题吗？
Can you take a look at this problem for me?
Nǐ néng bāng wǒ kàn kan zhè dào tí ma?
Friendly peer request. 看看 is casual "take a look." Use with classmates, not usually with teachers.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
The core pattern is 你能 + verb + 一下 + 这道题 + 吗？ For example, 你能解释一下这道题吗？ means "Can you explain this problem?" You can swap the verb: 你能讲一下这道题吗？ (Can you talk through this problem?) or 你能看一下这道题吗？ (Can you look at this problem?). 一下 makes the request sound lighter and less demanding. 这道题 means "this problem," with 道 as the measure word for questions and problems. To ask about a different problem, change 这 to 那: 那道题 (that problem).
When to use it
Use 你能解释一下这道题吗？ when you want a step-by-step explanation of one specific academic problem, such as a math equation or a grammar question. If you only need a quick answer, 这道题怎么做？ is shorter and natural. With a teacher, add 老师 and use 您: 老师，您能解释一下这道题吗？ With a classmate, 你能帮我看看这道题吗？ is friendly and common. Avoid using 帮我看看 with a teacher in formal settings; it can sound too casual. If you still do not understand after the explanation, say 我还是不懂 (I still don't understand) and ask 能再讲一遍吗？
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
老师，您能解释一下这道题吗？
Teacher, can you explain this problem?Lǎoshī, nín néng jiěshì yíxià zhè dào tí ma?可以。哪一部分不懂？
Sure. Which part don't you understand?Kěyǐ. Nǎ yí bùfen bù dǒng?第二步我不明白。为什么要用这个公式？
I don't understand the second step. Why do we use this formula?Dì èr bù wǒ bù míngbai. Wèishénme yào yòng zhège gōngshì?因为题目给了这个条件。你看这里。
Because the problem gives this condition. Look here.Yīnwèi tímù gěi le zhège tiáojiàn. Nǐ kàn zhèlǐ.A little context goes a long way
In Chinese classrooms, students often address teachers as 老师 (lǎoshī) rather than using a family name alone, and 您 shows respect. Requests with 一下 and 吗 sound polite without being overly formal. With classmates, 帮我看看 is friendly and common, but with a teacher it may sound too casual in a formal setting. If you need more help after class, you can say 老师，我还有一个问题 (Teacher, I have one more question).
One thing to watch for
Using 一个题 instead of 一道题, as in 你能解释一个题吗？
Try this instead: The measure word for problems and questions is 道, not 个. Say 你能解释一下这道题吗？ (Can you explain this problem?). Use 道 for 题 in academic contexts: 一道题, 两道题, 这道题.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How do you ask a classmate to explain this problem using 能 and 一下?
Show a sample answer
你能解释一下这道题吗？
This uses the core pattern 你能 + 解释 + 一下 + 这道题 + 吗？ It is polite and specific. 你能帮我看看这道题吗？ is also correct for a peer.
2What measure word goes with 题, and how do you say "this problem"?
Show a sample answer
道; 这道题
道 is the measure word for problems and questions. 这道题 means "this problem." 这个题 is understandable but less standard in academic contexts.
3How do you politely ask a teacher to explain again?
Show a sample answer
老师，您能再讲一遍吗？
This uses 老师, 您, and 再讲一遍 (explain one more time). 老师，您能再说一遍吗？ is also acceptable, though 讲 is more common for explanations.
To ask for academic help, use 你能解释一下这道题吗？ Remember 道 for 题, add 老师 and 您 for teachers, and say 我不懂 or 我不明白 to name what you do not understand.
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