分かっています
wakatteimasu
The Japanese phrase for "I know" is 分かっています (wakatteimasu).
This phrase is used as an assertion that the speaker has an answer or idea. While it means "I know," it is specifically used to express the realization or understanding of a fact. Depending on your tone, using 分かっています can sometimes sound blunt or dismissive, similar to saying "I already know" in English.
Meaning: assertion that speaker has answer or idea (phrase)
Which one should you use?
分かっています is used when you want to express that you understand or have realized a fact. In contrast, 知っています (shitteimasu) is used when you possess information or know a person or a fact through memory.
How does it change in a sentence?
The informal version of 分かっています is 分かっている (wakatte iru). In spoken Japanese, the i in the continuous form 分かっています is often dropped, resulting in the colloquial 分かってます (wakattemasu).
How do you pronounce it?
wakatteimasu
Did you know?
- The kanji 分 in 分かっています originally meant 'to divide' or 'to separate'. Knowing something in Japanese is conceptually linked to the ability to distinguish one thing from another.
- In a professional setting, simply saying 分かっています to a boss can be seen as rude. Subordinates often use 承知いたしました (shouchi itashimashita) to acknowledge a directive.
- If you want to say 'I know' to show you agree with someone's opinion, using 分かっています can sound like you are telling them to stop talking. Instead, Japanese speakers use 分かります to show empathy.
Examples in context
- 彼が忙しいのは分かっています。I know he is busy.This example shows how to use 分かっています to express knowing someone is busy.Tatoeba #1323454 by bunbuku, translation #284177 by CK
- これが重要なのは分かっています。I know that this is important.This example demonstrates using 分かっています to express knowing something is important.Tatoeba #2045933 by bunbuku, translation #1887498 by CK
- 僕があなたに見合わないのは分かっています。I know that I don't deserve you.This example illustrates using 分かっています to express the realization of a personal situation.Tatoeba #2290071 by tommy_san, translation #953505 by CK
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ren is explaining the rules of a game to Yui.
- 結衣 Yuiルールはもっと複雑ですよ。Rūru wa motto fukuzatsu desu yo.The rules are more complex, you know.
- 蓮 Renそのことは分かっています。Sono koto wa wakatte imasu.I know that.
- 結衣 Yuiじゃあ、練習しましょうか。Jaa, renshū shimashō ka.Then, shall we practice?
- 蓮 Renはい、お願いします。Hai, onegaishimasu.Yes, please.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
