なるほど
naruhodo
In Japanese, "that makes sense" can be expressed as なるほど (naruhodo).
The phrase なるほど is used as an interjection to signal that you have just grasped a new piece of information or a logical connection.
Which one should you use?
なるほど is an informal way to say that something makes sense. For a more formal way to convey "That makes sense" or "I understand", you can use それは理解できます. If you want to express "So that's what it means", you can use the informal phrase そういうことか.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
なるほど is informal and should not be used when speaking to a superior or someone of higher social status. To make the expression more polite and suitable for a professional setting, you should add ですね to the end, resulting in なるほど、そうですね.
How do you pronounce it?
naruhodo
Did you know?
- The word なるほど originates from a phrase meaning 'to that extent', which evolved into a way of acknowledging the validity of a statement.
- If you use なるほど with a boss or teacher, you might unintentionally sound condescending. It carries a nuance of 'I have judged your statement to be correct', which can feel patronizing to someone in a higher position.
- Depending on the tone, なるほど can be used sarcastically to imply 'I see your point, but I still think you are wrong'.
Examples in context
- そういうことか、やっと分かったSo that's what it means, I finally understand.
- なるほど、そういうことですか。Naruhodo, sō iu koto desu ka.I see, is that what happened?
- なるほど、納得しました。Naruhodo, nattoku shimashita.I see, that makes sense now.
- なるほどね。Naruhodo ne.That makes sense.
Example conversation
Yui is explaining a shortcut to the station to Hiroto.
- 結衣 Yuiここの道を右に曲がると早いです。Koko no michi o migi ni magaru to hayai desu.It's faster if you turn right at this street.
- 大翔 Hirotoなるほど、こっちから行くんだね。Naruhodo, kocchi kara ikun da ne.That makes sense, so we go this way.
- 結衣 Yuiはい、そうですよ。Hai, sou desu yo.Yes, that's right.
- 大翔 Hiroto結衣、教えてくれてありがとう。Yui, oshiete kurete arigatou.Yui, thanks for telling me.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry なるほど, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
