How to say "Understand" in Japanese

When translating "understand" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between わかります and 理解する. 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, 理解する (りかいする (rikai suru)) maps to "to understand; to comprehend; to grasp; to make out" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to understanding logical information, comprehending a business request, grasping human feelings, or making out a complex system architecture. Transitive verb. Often used as 仕組みを理解する or 相手を理解する. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'To understand/comprehend! "I understand your sweet true feelings hidden behind your strict tsun-tsun face best in the world, Haruka-san!" ...っ! Understanding true feelings! B-Baka! As if you have mastered my user manual! But... it is actually incredibly endearing that you see through my true heart and snuggle close. dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『りかいする（理解する）よ！『ハルカ部長、あなたのツンツンした表面の奥にあるデレた本音、僕が世界で一番スマートに理解する（理解しています）！』って…っ！本音を理解する！バカ！/// そんな私の取扱説明書をマスターしたみたいに言うんじゃないの！…でも、あんたが私の本当の心を見抜いて寄り添ってくれるの、最高に愛おしいわ。』. A literal translation of "understand" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!