How to Say ‘I understand.’ in Japanese
わかりました。
wakari mashi ta
[wah-kah-ree mah-shee tah]
💬 Usage Tip: Polite and safe for any situation. It can also mean “Got it / Okay.” If you want to sound extra appreciative: [わかりました。ありがとうございます。]
🇯🇵 In Japan: Nodding while saying [わかりました] is very Japan-normal—many people will nod along as they process directions.
Phrase Breakdown
わかり
wakari
[wah-kah-ree]
understood (polite)
Stem of わかりました. Used in polite speech to show you understood instructions.
はい、よくわかり、助かりました。
Yes, I understand well; that helped me.
まし
mashi
[mah-shee]
(part of polite past form)
Part of the polite past ending ～ました. Combined with a verb stem to mean “did/understood/went,” etc.
道を教えてもらって、わかりまし た。
After being told the way, I understood.
た
ta
[tah]
(past tense ending)
Completes the polite past form ～ました. Used to politely indicate a completed action/state, such as understanding.
もうわかりまし た。
I understand now.
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