How to Say ‘Understood.’ in Japanese
わかりました。
wakari mashi ta
[wah-kah-ree mah-shee tah]
💬 Usage Tip: [わかりました] is a polite and useful response to instructions. It is safer than a casual [わかった] when speaking to a chef.
🇯🇵 In Japan: Acknowledging instructions clearly is important in Japanese work culture. A quick [わかりました] shows attention and respect.
Phrase Breakdown
わかり
wakari
[wah-kah-ree]
understand
From わかる, meaning to understand. Used when acknowledging instructions.
はい、わかりました。
Yes, understood.
まし
mashi
[mah-shee]
polite past marker
Part of the polite past form in わかりました, often used to respond respectfully.
わかりました。すぐします。
Understood. I'll do it right away.
た
ta
[tah]
past ending
The final part of the past polite form, completing わかりました.
はい、わかりました。
Yes, understood.
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