理解
lǐjiě
The English word comprehension is translated into Mandarin as 理解 (lǐjiě). Wiktionary also lists 瞭解 / 了解 (liǎojiě) and 了解 (liǎojiě).
Meaning: thorough understanding (noun)
Ways to say it
| Mandarin | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 理解 | lǐjiě |
| 瞭解 / 了解 | liǎojiě |
| 了解 | liǎojiě |
Mandarin uses different terms depending on whether you are discussing an intellectual grasp of a concept or simple factual acquaintance. 理解 (lǐjiě) is used for a deep, intellectual or logical comprehension of a reason or concept, while 了解 (liǎojiě) is used when you have factual knowledge of something or are acquainted with a person or a situation.
Which one should you use?
理解 (lǐjiě) is distinguished by its focus on an intellectual grasp, whereas 了解 (liǎojiě) refers to being familiar with facts or circumstances.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word 理解 (lǐjiě) is versatile and can function as both a noun meaning comprehension and a verb meaning to understand or comprehend.
How do you pronounce it?
lǐjiě
Did you know?
- The character 解 in both 理解 and 了解 originally depicted a knife cutting a horn, symbolizing the act of analyzing or taking something apart to understand it.
- While 了解 means to know a situation, saying 我不了解 can be a polite way to deflect a question or avoid taking a definitive stance in a formal conversation.
- While 了解 means to know a person, using 理解 in the context of someone's feelings shifts the meaning from factual knowledge to deep emotional empathy.
Examples in context
- 那超出了我的理解。That was beyond my comprehension.This sentence shows how to express that something is beyond one's capacity for 理解.Tatoeba #884669 by Tajfun, translation #6017539 by szilviez
- 我希望你能够理解我的观点。I hope you can comprehend my point of view.
- 我们需要深入思考，才能领悟生命的意义。We need to contemplate deeply in order to comprehend the meaning of life.
- 我懂你的感受，我也经历过那样的事情。I understand your feelings because I've been through something similar.
- 你说得很清楚，我完全明白你的意思了。You explained it very clearly, and I completely understand what you mean.
- 我不理解他的动机。I don't understand his motives.
- 他的话超出了我的理解。Tā de huà chāoguò le wǒ de lǐjiě.His words were beyond my comprehension.
- 我对这件事情的理解很浅。Wǒ duì zhè jiàn shìqing de lǐjiě hěn qiǎn.My comprehension of this matter is very shallow.
Example conversation
Two students are discussing a difficult textbook passage.
- 俊杰 Junjie晓雯，这段话你理解了吗？Xiǎowén, zhè duàn huà nǐ lǐjiě le ma?Xiaowen, did you comprehend this passage?
- 晓雯 Xiaowen我还没有完全理解。Wǒ hái méiyǒu wánquán lǐjiě.I don't fully comprehend it yet.
- 俊杰 Junjie我们可以一起讨论一下。Wǒmen kěyǐ yìqǐ tǎolùn yíxià.We can discuss it together.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen好，俊杰，谢谢你。Hǎo, Jùnjié, xièxie nǐ.Okay, Junjie, thank you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “comprehension” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
