What does it mean word for word?
The expression can be broken down into two parts: 私の言うこと, which literally means "the thing(s) I say" and 分かりますか？, which means "do you understand?" The latter consists of the verb wakaru (to understand) in its polite form, combined with the question particle ka.
Which one should you use?
While 私の言うことが分かりますか？ is a complete way to ask if someone can understand what you are saying, you can also use shorter versions depending on the setting. For example, 分かる？ is a simple way to ask "Understand?" in a casual setting and わかってる？ is a casual way to ask if someone understands, often used among friends or peers.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form 私の言うことが分かりますか？ is polite and suitable for use with strangers or in professional settings. In casual settings with friends, you can drop the polite endings to say 私の言うこと、分かる？ For even more formal situations, you can use ご理解いただけますか？ to politely inquire if someone can comprehend your words or お分かりになりますか？ to ask if someone understands your message.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the sentence 私の言うことが分かりますか？, the particle ga is used to mark the object of understanding.
How do you pronounce it?
watashi no iu koto ga wakarimasu ka?
Did you know?
- The phrase wakaru is used in a unique way to show deep empathy. Saying wakaru while a friend is venting doesn't mean 'I comprehend the facts', but rather 'I feel exactly what you feel'.
- In very formal settings, asking 'do you understand' can inadvertently imply that you are questioning the listener's intelligence.
- To avoid sounding like you are testing someone, Japanese speakers often use the phrase 伝わっていますか？ (tsutawatte imasu ka?), which means 'is it being conveyed?'
Examples in context
- 今の、私の言うことが分かりますか？Ima no, watashi no iu koto ga wakarimasu ka?Do you understand what I just said?
Example conversation
Misaki is checking if Kenta understands her Japanese during a study session.
- 美咲 Misaki私の言うことが分かりますか？Watashi no iu koto ga wakarimasu ka?Can you understand what I'm saying?
- 健太 Kentaはい、分かります。Hai, wakarimasu.Yes, I understand.
- 美咲 Misaki良かったです。Yokatta desu.I'm glad.
- 健太 Kenta美咲さんの日本語はとても上手ですね。Misaki-san no Nihongo wa totemo jouzu desu ne.Misaki, your Japanese is very good.
