分かります
wakarimasu
The phrase "you understand" in Japanese is expressed as 分かります (wakarimasu).
This phrase is used to confirm that someone comprehends the information being shared. In Japanese, 分かります is often used to mean "I understand."
How does it change in a sentence?
To turn the statement 分かります into a question such as "Do you understand?", add the particle か to the end to form 分かりますか.
How do you pronounce it?
wakarimasu
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use 分かります to mean "I know" (as in a fact), but it specifically refers to the process of comprehension or grasping a concept.
Did you know?
- The kanji for 分 in 分かります literally means 'to divide' or 'to separate'. This suggests that understanding is the act of breaking a complex idea down into smaller, manageable parts.
- When nodding and repeating 分かります during a conversation, Japanese speakers are often performing 'aizuchi'. This is a social ritual to show the speaker they are listening, rather than a confirmation that they actually comprehend every point.
- In a professional setting, saying 分かります to a superior can sometimes sound overly assertive. Instead, employees often use 承知いたしました to signal that they have understood and accepted a command.
Examples in context
- 分かりますか？Do you understand it?This example is useful for asking "Do you understand it?" using the form 分かります.Tatoeba #3507395 by arnab, translation #3439444 by CK
- その違いが分かりますか。Do you understand the difference?This example is useful for asking "Do you understand the difference?" using the form 分かります.Tatoeba #212364 by bunbuku, translation #1350139 by Chrikaru
- 私の言っている意味が分かりますよね。You understand what I mean, don't you?This example is useful for confirming "You understand what I mean, don't you?" using the form 分かります.Tatoeba #163692 by bunbuku, translation #1261493 by CK
- 友達: 今晩の予定を忘れないでね。
あなた: わかった！Friend: "Don't forget the plans for tonight, okay?"
You: "Got it!" - 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A teacher is explaining a rule to a student.
- 陽葵 Himariこの使い方が分かりますか？Kono tsukaikata ga wakarimasu ka?Do you understand how to use this?
- 大翔 Hirotoはい、分かります。Hai, wakarimasu.Yes, I understand.
- 陽葵 Himari良かったです。Yokatta desu.That's good.
- 大翔 Hirotoありがとうございます。Arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
