How to Say ‘To understand’ in Japanese
分かる
wakaru
[wah-kah-roo]
💬 Usage Tip: [分かる] is casual “to understand.” Negative: [分からない]. Polite: [分かります].
🇯🇵 In Japan: Saying [分かりました] can also mean “Okay, got it (I’ll do it),” not just “I understand intellectually.”
Phrase Breakdown
分かる
wakaru
[wah-kah-roo]
to understand; to know; to see (what someone means)
分かる (わかる) means “to understand.” Often used in casual confirmation: 分かる? (“Do you get it?”).
言いたいことは分かる。
I understand what you want to say.
Get the Full Learning Experience
This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.
Pronunciation Feedback
AI-powered speech recognition to perfect your accent
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Custom Scenarios
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
What Learners Are Saying
“Teaching in Osaka and I wanted to connect with my students beyond the classroom. The everyday conversation scenarios made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”
Mia S., 25, English Teacher
“Moved to Tokyo and the polite vs. casual speech levels were killing me. This app breaks it all down with real scenarios. My coworkers noticed the difference in weeks.”
Kevin Z., 31, Game Developer
“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”
Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager