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    説明がピンとこない (setsumei ga pin to konai - the explanation doesn't click)

    Grammar & Usage

    fixed expression
    neutral/casual

    How it works

    This expression uses the particle が (ga) to mark the subject (説明 - setsumei, explanation), followed by the idiomatic phrase ピンとこない (pin to konai). ピンとくる (pin to kuru) literally means 'to come with a 'pin' sound/feeling' and is an onomatopoeic expression meaning 'to click' or 'to grasp instantly'. こない (konai) is the negative form of くる (kuru, to come).

    Sample sentences

    先生の説明が専門的すぎて、私にはピンとこなかった。

    The teacher's explanation was too technical, so it didn't click for me.

    そのコンセプトは聞いたことはあるけど、まだピンとこない。

    I've heard of that concept, but it still doesn't quite make sense to me.

    彼の話はいつも理屈っぽいので、私にはあまりピンとこない。

    His stories are always so logical that they don't really resonate with me.

    Quick facts

    usage:It implies a lack of immediate understanding or clarity, rather than a complete failure to comprehend. The speaker might need more details or time to process the information.
    origin:ピンとくる (pin to kuru) is an idiomatic expression often used for understanding, realization, or intuition. The 'pin' sound suggests a sudden, sharp clarity or connection.

    Mnemonic

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    Example

    先生の説明が専門的すぎて、私にはピンとこなかった。

    The teacher's explanation was too technical, so it didn't click for me.

    そのコンセプトは聞いたことはあるけど、まだピンとこない。

    I've heard of that concept, but it still doesn't quite make sense to me.

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