Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Understand" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "understand", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
わかります
わかります (wakarimasu)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
心得
こころえる (kokoroeru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "understand" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between わかります and 心得.
In Japanese, わかります (わかります (wakarimasu)) is typically associated with "to understand" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Polite form of わかる. Indicates comprehension. Often used with particle が..
On the other hand, 心得 (こころえる (kokoroeru)) maps to "to understand, to be aware of, to be informed" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Implies a deeper understanding or a grasp of proper etiquette/rules, often learned through experience or instruction. Not just superficial understanding.. A literal translation of "understand" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "わかります"
英語がわかります。
I understand English.
Bilingual Context for "心得"
新しい職務について、すべてを心得ています。
I understand all about my new duties.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "英語が ＿＿＿ 。" (Meaning: "I understand English.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "わかります" fits here because it means "to understand" in the context of: "I understand English.". "心得" represents "to understand, to be aware of, to be informed".