What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of the noun 了解, which means understanding, agreement or comprehension, followed by the polite past tense of the verb suru (to do).
Which one should you use?
While 了解しました is standard polite Japanese, 承知いたしました is a much more formal humble expression used when accepting instructions from a superior or a client. For expressing that you understand and accept a request in a formal setting, you can also use 承知しました or the even more formal and traditional かしこまりました, which specifically indicates you understand and accept a request. If you want to say "I accept" in a polite manner, 受け入れます is also available.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
了解しました is standard polite Japanese. For more formal or traditional settings, use かしこまりました or 承知いたしました. In informal settings among peers, you can use いいよ to mean "Sounds good" or "I'm okay with that". You can also use the short form 了解 to mean "Roger" or "Got it", though this is casual and should be used with peers or subordinates.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Kansai region, the phrase ええで is used as an informal equivalent to いいよ, meaning "Sure" or "That's fine".
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 了解しました uses the polite past tense of the verb suru (to do) to indicate that the action of understanding or accepting is completed.
How do you pronounce it?
ryōkai shimashita
Did you know?
- The phrase かしこまりました comes from a verb meaning 'to be frightened' or 'to be in awe', reflecting a historical relationship of extreme deference toward a superior.
- Japanese speakers often use 了解 in text messages as the abbreviation り, which is a slang shorthand used primarily by Gen Z.
- In military or emergency contexts, the short form 了解 is used as the direct equivalent of the English radio term 'Roger'.
Examples in context
- 承知しましたI understand and accept
- かしこまりましたI understand and accept your request
- オッケーOkay, sounds good!
- いいよSounds good
- ええでSure or That's fine
- 変更の件、了解しました。Henkō no ken, ryōkai shimashita.I have acknowledged the change.
- 明日のスケジュール、了解しました。Ashita no sukejūru, ryōkai shimashita.I have understood tomorrow's schedule.
Example conversation
Two colleagues discussing a meeting time.
- 陽葵 Himari明日の会議は十時からです。Ashita no kaigi wa juuji kara desu.Tomorrow's meeting is at ten o'clock.
- 健太 Kenta了解しました。出席します。Ryoukai shimashita. Shusseki shimasu.Understood. I will attend.
- 陽葵 Himari資料を事前に読んでおいてください。Shiryou o jizen ni yonde oite kudasai.Please read the documents in advance.
- 健太 Kentaはい、了解しました。Hai, ryoukai shimashita.Yes, I've got it.
