了解です
ryōkai desu
The English phrase "will do" can be expressed in Japanese as 了解です (ryōkai desu).
了解です is most commonly used in text-based communication like Slack, LINE or email to acknowledge that a task or instruction has been received and understood.
Meaning: affirmative yes (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 了解 (ryōkai) literally means 'understanding' or 'comprehension'.
Which one should you use?
While 了解です is common among peers, it is often considered too casual or even slightly rude when responding to a superior or a customer. In those cases, 承知いたしました is preferred. You can also use します to mean "will do" or "I will do" in formal settings, or the even more humble 致します.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Adding です to 了解 makes the phrase polite and suitable for most workplace interactions with colleagues or subordinates. You can make it informal by dropping the です to say 了解, which should only be used with friends or people of lower social status. For showing deep respect when accepting a request or task, use させていただきます.
How do you pronounce it?
ryōkai desu
Did you know?
- In casual texting, young people often shorten 了解 (ryōkai) further to just り (ri). This single character serves as a complete 'will do' or 'got it' in digital slang.
- The formal version 承知いたしました uses a humble verb form that literally implies you are 'taking the matter into your heart'.
- The kanji 解 in 了解 shares a root with words for 'solving' a puzzle or 'untying' a knot. This reflects the idea that 'understanding' is the act of unraveling a complex piece of information.
Examples in context
- ご要望に応じて仕事をします。I will do the job as per your request.
- すぐに対応致します。I will promptly handle it.
- お手伝いさせていただきます。I will be honored to assist you.
- 大丈夫、やるよ。It's fine, I'll do it.
- そうだったら、手伝ってやりますよ。If that's the case, I'll help you.
- 無理をしないでくださいね。がんばります！Please don't push yourself too hard. I'll do my best!
- 絶対にやり遂げます、その点心配しないでください。I will definitely accomplish it, so please don't worry about that.
- 了解です。Ryōkai desu.Will do.
- その件、了解です。Sono ken, ryōkai desu.Understood regarding that matter.
Example conversation
Ren asks Misaki to check a document.
- 蓮 Ren美咲さん、この資料を確認しておいて。Misaki-san, kono shiryō o kakunin shite oite.Misaki, please check this document.
- 美咲 Misaki了解です、蓮さん。Ryōkai desu, Ren-san.Will do, Ren.
- 蓮 Renすぐ終わるかな？Sugu owaru kana?Will it be finished soon?
- 美咲 Misakiはい、すぐ終わります。Hai, sugu owarimasu.Yes, I'll finish it soon.
