Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "わかります", "分かる", "納得する", "心得える"
All represent the core concept "understand", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
わかります
わかります (wakarimasu)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
分かる
わかる (wakaru)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
納得する
なっとくする (nattoku suru)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
心得える
こころえる (kokoroeru)
N2 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "understand" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "わかります", "分かる", "納得する", "心得える" based on context.
- わかります (わかります (wakarimasu) - Level: N5): Maps to "to understand" and is used when Polite form of わかる. Indicates comprehension. Often used with particle が..
- 分かる (わかる (wakaru) - Level: N5): Maps to "to understand" and is used when Intransitive verb. Often used with the particle が.
- 納得する (なっとくする (nattoku suru) - Level: N3): Maps to "to understand; to be convinced; to accept" and is used when Implies understanding and accepting something as reasonable or true after explanation or consideration. Often used in formal or serious contexts..
- 心得える (こころえる (kokoroeru) - Level: N2): Maps to "to understand, to know, to be aware of" and is used when Often used for understanding rules, manners, or proper procedures. Implies internalizing knowledge or having a good grasp of something..
Context for "わかります"
英語がわかります。
I understand English.
Context for "分かる"
先生の話がよく分かりました。
I understood the teacher's talk well.
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.
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.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
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" is correct here because it represents "to understand" in the context: "I understand English.".