分かる
wakaru
The English phrase 'understand' is expressed in Japanese as 分かる (wakaru).
This phrase is used to express that you grasp the meaning of something or are aware of a fact. In Japanese, 分かる functions more like 'to be understandable' or 'to be clear' to the speaker, rather than being strictly an active process as it is in English.
Which one should you use?
While 分かる is a general term, 理解します (rikai shimasu) is used to convey a deeper level of understanding, making it suitable for formal settings like professional presentations or lectures. Additionally, 了解 (ryōkai) is used in professional or technical contexts to mean 'Understood' or 'Roger' when acknowledging an instruction.
How does it change in a sentence?
The past tense form 分かった (wakatta) is used to express that you have just grasped or understood something.
How do you pronounce it?
wakaru
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be careful when asking 分かりますか (wakarimasu ka) to mean 'Do you understand?' Depending on the context, this can sound blunt or condescending, similar to asking 'Do you get it?' in English.
Did you know?
- While 分かる means 'to understand', it is derived from the verb 分ける meaning 'to divide' or 'to separate'. This implies that understanding something is the act of breaking a complex idea into smaller parts.
- Japanese has a concept called 忖度 (sontaku), which refers to 'understanding' or guessing someone's feelings and needs without them saying a word.
- When someone is explaining something, a listener will frequently say 分かります or はい as a backchannel signal to show they are following along, even if they have not yet fully grasped the point.
Example conversation
Kenta is explaining a map to Yui.
- 健太 Kentaここが目的地だよ。分かる？koko ga mokutekichi dayo. wakaru?This is the destination. Do you understand?
- 結衣 Yuiうん、よく分かるよ。un, yoku wakaru yo.Yes, I understand perfectly.
- 健太 Kentaじゃあ、ここを右に曲がろう。jaa, koko o migi ni magarou.Then, let's turn right here.
- 結衣 Yui分かった。行こう！wakatta. ikou!Got it. Let's go!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 分かる, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
