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

    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) means 'to click' or 'to grasp instantly', and its negative form ピンとこない means 'it doesn't click' or 'I don't grasp it'. The 'to me' is often implied.

    Sample sentences

    先生の説明が難しすぎて、全然ピンとこなかった。

    The teacher's explanation was too difficult, so I didn't get it at all.

    彼の話は面白かったけれど、肝心なところがピンとこない。

    His story was interesting, but the main point doesn't make sense (to me).

    この複雑な問題、どう説明すればみんなにピンとくるだろうか？

    How should I explain this complex problem so that everyone understands it?

    Quick facts

    nuance:ピンとくる (pin to kuru) literally suggests a sudden, sharp realization or understanding, like a 'ping' sound or a string being pulled taut. Its negative form expresses the absence of such an intuitive grasp or clarity.

    Mnemonic

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    Example

    先生の説明が難しすぎて、全然ピンとこなかった。

    The teacher's explanation was too difficult, so I didn't get it at all.

    彼の話は面白かったけれど、肝心なところがピンとこない。

    His story was interesting, but the main point doesn't make sense (to me).

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