Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Understand" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "understand", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
わかる
わかる (wakaru)
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 わかる and 納得する.
In Japanese, わかる (わかる (wakaru)) is typically associated with "to understand, to know" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Intransitive verb. Often used with the 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 "わかる"
日本語がわかりますか。
Do you understand Japanese?
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: "日本語がわかりますか。" (Meaning: "Do you understand Japanese?")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "わかる" fits here because it means "to understand, to know" in the context of: "Do you understand Japanese?". "納得する" represents "to understand; to be convinced; to accept".