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How to Say ‘To understand’ in Japanese

わかる

wakaru

[wah-kah-roo]

💬 Usage Tip: Dictionary form “to understand.” In polite speech, you’ll often use [わかりました].

🇯🇵 In Japan: In medical settings, showing you understand the plan (when to come back, what to monitor) is valued—staff may check with you before you leave.

Phrase Breakdown

わかる

wakaru

[wah-kah-roo]

to understand; to know

Basic verb meaning “to understand” or “to find out.” In clinics you’ll hear わかりました (I understand) and 〜がわかる (to know/see, e.g., results).

Example

検査結果がわかるまで少し時間がかかります。

It will take a little time until we know the test results.

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