What does it mean word for word?
The word понятно is an adverbial form derived from the verb 'понять' (to understand), and it literally means 'it is understandable' or 'it is clear'.
Which one should you use?
While понятно describes the state of information being clear, you can also use the forms Я понял (masculine) or Я поняла (feminine) to explicitly state 'I have understood'. Additionally, Ясно and the phrase Всё ясно are used as informal ways to express that something is clear.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Using понятно as a standalone response can sometimes sound curt, dismissive or even slightly annoyed depending on your tone, similar to saying 'Got it' or 'Fine' in English.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word понятно is an adverbial form used to describe how something is or to express 'it is clear'. For describing a noun directly, such as 'an understandable text', you should use the adjective form понятный.
How do you pronounce it?
ponyatno
Did you know?
- In high-stress environments like the military or aviation, Russians may use Принято instead of понятно to confirm an order has been received and will be acted upon.
- If you are ever confused by a complex instruction, simply saying Не совсем понятно (Not quite clear) is much more polite than saying Я не понял (I did not understand), which can sound more blunt.
- While понятно is a common acknowledgment, using it with a rising intonation can turn it into a question, 'Is it clear?', which can sound quite condescending if used toward a superior or an elder.
Examples in context
- Понятно. Делай как хочешь.Understood. Do as you wish.This sentence shows how to use понятно as an acknowledgment.Tatoeba #13673534 by marafon, translation #13673497 by terrywallwork
- Понятно. Делай что хочешь.Understood. Do what you want.Tatoeba #13673536 by marafon, translation #13673501 by terrywallwork
- Тому едва удавалось понятно выражаться.Tom could hardly make himself understood.This sentence shows the use of понятно to describe how someone expresses themselves.Tatoeba #4241334 by odexed, translation #3923590 by CK
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Andrey is explaining a new task to Olga at the office.
- Ольга OlgaАндрей, мне всё понятно.Andrey, mne vsyo ponyatno.Andrey, everything is clear to me.
- Андрей AndreyХорошо, тогда приступай к работе.Khorosho, togda pristupay k rabote.Good, then start working.
- Ольга OlgaВсё будет сделано вовремя.Vsyo budet sdelano vovremya.Everything will be done on time.
- Андрей AndreyОтлично, я в тебя верю.Otlichno, ya v tebya veryu.Excellent, I believe in you.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
