Hello and welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to say ‘understand’ in Japanese! Understanding how to express this important concept in different situations and levels of formality is key to effective communication in Japanese. In this guide, we will cover the formal and informal ways to say ‘understand’ in Japanese, as well as provide tips, examples, and a brief overview of regional variations. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say ‘Understand’ in Japanese
Formal situations call for respectful language. Here are some formal expressions for saying ‘understand’ in Japanese:
- Wakarimasu (わかります) – This is the standard word for ‘understand’ in Japanese. It can be used in most formal situations, such as business meetings, academic settings, or when talking to someone in a position of authority.
- Rikai shimasu (理解します) – This phrase conveys a deeper level of understanding. It is suitable for formal occasions where a higher level of comprehension is expected, such as professional presentations or lectures.
- Gochūi itashimasu (ご注意頂きます) – This phrase expresses a polite form of understanding while showing respect to the listener. It is commonly used in customer service or when addressing a superior.
Informal Ways to Say ‘Understand’ in Japanese
Informal situations, such as conversations with friends or family members, allow for a more relaxed language. Here are some informal expressions for saying ‘understand’ in Japanese:
- Wakatta (わかった) – This is the casual form of ‘wakarimasu’ and is commonly used among friends or peers.
- Toku ni wakaru (特にわかる) – This expression indicates a particular or specific understanding. It can be used when acknowledging a specific point or concept in a relaxed conversation.
- Kantoku ku (感得く) – This phrase is a slang way of saying ‘I get it’ or ‘I understand’ and is mostly used in casual conversations among young people.
Tips for Using ‘Understand’ in Japanese
Tip #1: Pay attention to the context – Japanese is a contextual language, so depending on the situation, different expressions for ‘understand’ may be more appropriate than others.
For example, if you want to express understanding in a formal setting, ‘wakarimasu’ would be the safest choice. However, if you are interacting with close friends or family members, the casual forms like ‘wakatta’ or ‘toku ni wakaru’ would be more appropriate and natural.
Tip #2: Non-verbal cues – In Japanese culture, non-verbal cues play an essential role in communication. Nodding your head while saying ‘wakarimasu’ or maintaining eye contact when expressing understanding can enhance your overall message.
Examples:
Let’s explore some examples to see how ‘understand’ is used in context:
- Example 1: Formal – When discussing a business proposal in a meeting: “Wakarimashita ka?” (Do you understand?)
- Example 2: Informal – When talking to a friend about a movie: “Wakatta, sōna tokoro dattane!” (I understood, it was such a great scene!)
- Example 3: Formal – When seeking confirmation from a colleague: “Gochūi itashimasu ga, itadakemasu ka?” (I understand, can I proceed?)
Regional Variations
Japanese is spoken throughout various regions which may have slight variations in their dialects and speech patterns. However, when it comes to expressing ‘understand,’ the difference across regions is minimal. The formal and informal expressions mentioned earlier can be universally understood and used throughout the country.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have completed this guide on how to say ‘understand’ in Japanese. Remember, understanding the appropriate level of formality and using the right expressions in different situations is crucial in effective communication. Whether you’re conversing formally or informally, these language skills will help you connect with native speakers on a deeper level. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll become fluent in expressing ‘understand’ in Japanese!
