1.
instruction manual; user's guide
A document that explains how to use or assemble a product. Often included with appliances, electronics, and furniture.
説明書を読んでください。
Please read the instruction manual.
説明書が複雑すぎて分からない。
The instruction manual is too complicated and I can't understand it.
家具を組み立てるとき、説明書に従って作業した。
When assembling the furniture, I followed the instruction manual.
2.
explanatory document; written explanation
A formal document providing a detailed explanation of something, such as procedures, terms, or conditions.
この薬の説明書には副作用について詳しく書かれている。
The explanatory document for this medicine describes the side effects in detail.
契約の説明書をよく読んでからサインしてください。
Please read the explanatory document for the contract carefully before signing.
保険会社から届いた説明書には、補償内容や手続きの流れが詳細に記載されていた。
The explanatory document from the insurance company described the coverage details and the procedure in full detail.
説明書 is a written document that explains how to use, operate, or assemble something. It combines 説明 (explanation) with 書 (document), so it literally means "explanation document."
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 説明書を読む — to read the manual
- 説明書に従う — to follow the instructions
- 説明書を見る — to look at the manual
- 説明書に書いてある — to be written in the manual
- 取扱説明書 — operating manual; user's manual
RELATED WORDS:
- マニュアル — manual (loanword, often used for software or training manuals)
- 手引き — handbook; guide (less technical tone)
- 案内書 — guidebook; informational pamphlet