了解
ryōkai[ɾʲo̞ːka̠i]
The phrase "roger that" in Japanese is 了解 (ryōkai).
了解 is a phrase used to confirm that a message has been received and understood. In Japanese, it is commonly used in digital communication, such as text messaging or business chat, to quickly acknowledge a message.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 了解 literally means 'understanding' or 'agreement'.
Which one should you use?
While 了解 is used for simple acknowledgment, 承知いたしました is the much more professional and humble way to say "roger that" in a formal business setting.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Using 了解 on its own is informal and is typically used between peers or from a superior to a subordinate. For other ways to express understanding, わかりました and 理解しました are used in various formal contexts, whereas わかった is the informal version of "I understand."
How do you pronounce it?
ryōkai
Did you know?
- In Japanese internet slang, the character り (ri) serves as a lightning-fast way to say 'roger that'. It is the single-character equivalent of typing 'k' or 'got it' in an English text message.
- Japanese radio operators often use the word ラジャー, which is a direct phonetic loan of the English 'Roger'.
- If you use 了解 with a boss or a teacher, it can actually be perceived as rude or even condescending. In many professional hierarchies, using this word to a superior implies that you are 'granting' their request from a position of authority.
Examples in context
- 了解。Roger that.Tatoeba #762125 by arihato, translation #1453426 by Spamster
- 指示を了解しました。shiji o ryoukai shimashita.I have understood the instructions.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Misaki are working together on a project.
- 健太 Kenta美咲さん、この資料を明日までに準備してください。Misaki-san, kono shiryou o ashita made ni junbi shite kudasai.Misaki, please prepare these materials by tomorrow.
- 美咲 Misaki了解です、健太さん。Ryoukai desu, Kenta-san.Roger that, Kenta.
- 健太 Kentaよろしくお願いします。Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.Thank you in advance.
- 美咲 Misakiはい、承知しました。Hai, shouchi shimashita.Yes, I've got it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 了解, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
