PrettyFluent
This is just a lesson preview. Get the interactive lesson free on PrettyFluent
🧠✅

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?”).

Example

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

Download PrettyFluent on the App StoreGet Full Lesson

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