Semantic parsing is the process of converting natural language into a structured format that a computer can understand. This involves breaking down sentences to identify their meaning and relationships between words, allowing machines to interpret human language accurately. The goal of semantic parsing is to create a representation, often in the form of logical expressions or abstract syntax trees, that captures the intent behind the words. This is essential for applications like chatbots, voice assistants, and information retrieval systems, enabling them to respond appropriately to user queries.