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
納得する
なっとくする (nattoku suru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "understand" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between わかります and 納得する.
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, 納得する (なっとくする (nattoku suru)) maps to "to understand; to be convinced; to accept" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Implies understanding and accepting something as reasonable or true after explanation or consideration. Often used in formal or serious contexts.. 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 "納得する"
彼の説明を聞いて、ようやく納得した。
After listening to his explanation, I finally understood.
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.". "納得する" represents "to understand; to be convinced; to accept".