分かりました
wakarimashita
In Japanese, "I found out" can be expressed as 分かりました (wakarimashita).
This phrase is used to indicate that the speaker has understood a piece of information or a situation.
Which one should you use?
While 分かりました can be used to express that you have found something out, it is more commonly used to mean "I understood" or "I have understood" in response to instructions.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In contrast, 分かりました is the polite version and 知りました is a formal way to express the idea.
How does it change in a sentence?
分かりました is the polite past tense of the verb wakaru (to understand/to be known).
How do you pronounce it?
wakarimashita
Did you know?
- The kanji for 分 in 分かりました originally depicted a knife dividing something into two parts, suggesting that 'understanding' comes from being able to divide or distinguish things clearly.
- When someone says 分かりました in a high-pitched, elongated tone, it can signal hesitation or that they are not entirely convinced, despite the literal meaning of 'I understood'.
- In very formal business settings, instead of 分かりました, one would often use the humble form 承知いたしました to show respect to a client.
Examples in context
- 彼女が留学することを知りました。I found out that she will study abroad.
- 新しいレストランを見つけたよ！I found out about a new restaurant!
Example conversation
Kenta is explaining a task to Himari.
- 陽葵 Himariこのボタンを押してください。Kono botan o oshite kudasai.Please press this button.
- 健太 Kenta分かりました。ありがとうございます。Wakarimashita. Arigatō gozaimasu.I understand. Thank you.
- 陽葵 Himari次はここを確認してください。Tsugi wa koko o kakunin shite kudasai.Next, please check here.
- 健太 Kentaはい、分かりました。Hai, wakarimashita.Yes, I've got it.
