What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is the past tense of the verb wakaru (to understand), and it literally means "understood".
Which one should you use?
While わかった is a standard informal way to say "Got it!", the version 分かったよ adds the particle よ to the end to provide more emphasis, making it sound more assertive or reassuring.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
わかった is an informal form and should be used with friends, family or people of lower social status. For more formal or polite situations, you should use わかりました when speaking to superiors, teachers or strangers. In even more formal settings where you are acknowledging instructions or conveying deep understanding, you can use 承知しました.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the particle よ to the end of わかった to form 分かったよ adds an assertive or reassuring tone, similar to saying "I got you" or "I understand, don't worry".
How do you pronounce it?
wakatta
Did you know?
- The root verb wakaru is related to the word wake meaning 'reason' or 'meaning', reflecting the idea that understanding is the act of 'separating' or 'distinguishing' the logic of a situation.
- Repeating the phrase as わかった わかった (wakatta wakatta) often signals impatience, effectively telling the speaker 'I get it already, stop talking'.
- The kanji used in 分かった can also be written as 判った, which is specifically used when you have 'judged' or 'determined' something to be true, rather than just receiving information.
Examples in context
- わかった。wakatta.Got you.
- あ、わかったよ。a, wakatta yo.Ah, I got you.
- うん、わかった。un, wakatta.Yeah, got you.
Example conversation
Kenta and Misaki are talking about their plans for the weekend.
- 健太 Kenta明日の集合時間は10時だよ。ashita no shuugou jikan wa juuji da yo.The meeting time tomorrow is 10 o'clock.
- 美咲 Misakiわかった。10時に駅ね。wakatta. juuji ni eki ne.Got you. 10 o'clock at the station, okay?
- 健太 Kenta遅れないようにね。okure nai you ni ne.Don't be late.
- 美咲 Misaki大丈夫、わかってるよ。daijoubu, wakatteru yo.It's fine, I know.
