なるほど
naruhodo
The English phrase "makes sense" is expressed in Japanese as なるほど (naruhodo).
なるほど is used as an interjection to show that you have just realized something or that a previous point has become clear. It expresses that you see or understand a point someone has made. Other ways to express the concept of something making sense or being understood include the verb わかる (to understand) and its polite form わかります. In casual situations, you might also use the informal expression ピンときます, which means something "clicks" or "rings a bell."
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
なるほど is used in informal or casual settings. In formal or professional settings, using only なるほど can sound condescending, so it is often paired with more polite expressions of understanding, such as なるほど、承知いたしました (I see, I understand).
How do you pronounce it?
naruhodo
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers should avoid using なるほど toward a superior or a customer. Doing so can imply that you are evaluating their logic, which can come across as rude in Japanese etiquette.
Did you know?
- While English speakers use 'makes sense' to describe an idea, Japanese speakers often use the word 腑に落ちる (fu ni ochiru), which literally means 'it has fallen into one's liver' to describe the same feeling of clarity.
- If you find yourself nodding rhythmically while saying なるほど, you are performing 'aizuchi', the Japanese art of frequent backchanneling to show you are actively listening.
- The word なるほど is an adverbial form that historically acted as a way to emphasize a point before it evolved into a standalone interjection.
Examples in context
- その話はピンときました。That story clicked with me.
- なるほど、そういうことですね。Naruhodo, sou iu koto desu ne.I see, so that's how it is.
- なるほど、納得しました。Naruhodo, nattoku shimashita.I see, that makes sense to me.
Example conversation
Misaki explains to Kenta why she is late.
- 美咲 Misaki電車が遅れたので、遅くなりました。densha ga okureta node, osoku narimashita.I'm late because the train was delayed.
- 健太 Kentaなるほど。大変でしたね。naruhodo. taihen deshita ne.I see. That must have been tough.
- 美咲 Misakiすみません、待たせて。sumimasen, matasete.Sorry for making you wait.
- 健太 Kenta気にしないでください。ki ni shinaide kudasai.Please don't worry about it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry なるほど, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
