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
心得える
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 心得える.
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, 心得える (こころえる (kokoroeru)) maps to "to understand, to know, to be aware of" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often used for understanding rules, manners, or proper procedures. Implies internalizing knowledge or having a good grasp of something.. 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 "心得える"
社会人として、基本的なマナーは心得ておくべきだ。
As a working adult, you should be aware of basic manners.
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.". "心得える" represents "to understand, to know, to be aware of".