How to Say ‘I didn’t understand well.’ in Japanese
よく分からなかったです。
yoku wakara nakatsu ta desu
[yoh-koo wah-kah-rah nah-kaht tah dess]
💬 Usage Tip: [よく分からなかったです] is softer than “I don’t understand.” If you want help, add: [もう一度お願いします].
🇯🇵 In Japan: This phrasing avoids blaming the speaker; it focuses on your understanding, which is considered polite.
Phrase Breakdown
よく
yoku
[yoh-koo]
not really; not well (used with negatives)
With a negative verb, よく often means “not really / not clearly,” softening the statement compared with “I don’t understand at all.”
よく分からなかったです。もう一度お願いします。
I didn't really understand. Could you please say it one more time?
分からなかった
wakara nakatsu ta
didn't understand
Core meaning: “I didn’t understand.” Combine with よく for “I didn’t really understand.”
説明が分からなかった。
I didn’t understand the explanation.
Words in this phrase
分から
wakara
[wah-kah-rah]
don’t understand (base for negative past)
The 分から- part connects to negative endings (ない/なかった). It’s the form used before attaching negatives.
この問題は分からない。
I don't understand this problem.
なかっ
nakatsu
[nah-kaht]
did not (part of negative past)
なかっ is the chunk that makes the negative into past when followed by た: なかっ + た → なかった (“did not”).
昨日は忙しくて行けなかった。
I was busy yesterday and couldn't go.
た
ta
[tah]
past marker (completed)
The た ending completes the past form, including in なかった (“did not”).
週末に友だちと会った。
I met my friend on the weekend.
です
desu
[dess]
polite copula: is/was (softens statement)
です is a polite sentence ending. After 〜なかった, adding です makes the tone polite: 〜なかったです.
大丈夫です。
It's okay.
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
Get Full LessonWhat 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