了解しました
ryoukai shimashita
In Japanese, "this is noted" is expressed as 了解しました (ryoukai shimashita).
了解しました is a formal way to tell someone that you have received and understood their information or instructions.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 了解 (ryoukai) literally means "understanding" or "agreement".
Which one should you use?
In the Kansai dialect, particularly in Kyoto, the informal phrase せやな can be used to mean "I understand" or "That's right".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
了解しました is a polite expression primarily used in business settings to acknowledge instructions or information from a peer or a subordinate. 承知 is also a formal way to acknowledge a message and is slightly more formal than 了解.
How do you pronounce it?
ryoukai shimashita
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using 了解しました when responding to a high-ranking boss or a customer, as it can sound slightly condescending or overly casual in those specific hierarchies. In those cases, use a more respectful form like 承知いたしました.
Did you know?
- While 了解しました is common, using it with a superior can inadvertently signal that you are 'granting' their request, which is a psychological position of power. This is why the humble 承知いたしました is required to maintain proper social distance.
- In certain digital communication cultures, such as gaming or quick messaging, some people use the abbreviation 了解 or even just りょ to mean 'noted'. While extremely common in casual texts, using りょ in an email would be seen as incredibly rude.
- In the context of radio communications, such as by the police or pilots, 了解 is used as a standard signal for 'Roger'. In these high-pressure environments, the phrase is stripped of its polite verb endings to ensure maximum clarity and speed.
Examples in context
- 頼まれた仕事は了解しました。I understand the assigned task.
- ご指示いただいた内容は承知いたしました。I understand the instructions you provided.
- 今日の計画、分かったよ。I got today's plan.
- せやな、ちゃんとメモっておくわ。That's right, I will make a note of it.
- 了解しました。Ryōkai shimashita.This is noted.
- 変更の件、了解しました。Henkō no ken, ryōkai shimashita.I have noted the change.
- 指示の内容を了解しました。Shiji no naiyō o ryōkai shimashita.I have noted the contents of the instructions.
Example conversation
A polite workplace interaction between two colleagues.
- 健太 Kenta明日の会議は十時からです。Ashita no kaigi wa jū-ji kara desu.Tomorrow's meeting is from ten o'clock.
- 陽葵 Himari了解しました、健太さん。Ryōkai shimashita, Kenta-san.This is noted, Kenta.
- 健太 Kenta準備をお願いします。Junbi o onegaishimasu.Please prepare for it.
- 陽葵 Himariはい、承知いたしました。Hai, shōchi itashimashita.Yes, I will do that.
