Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "分かる", "納得する", "心得", "汲み取る"
All represent the core concept "understand", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
分かる
わかる (wakaru)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
納得する
なっとくする (nattoku suru)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
心得
こころえる (kokoroeru)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
汲み取る
くみとる (kumitoru)
N2 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "understand" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "分かる", "納得する", "心得", "汲み取る" based on context.
- 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 (こころえる (kokoroeru) - Level: N2): Maps to "to understand, to be aware of, to be informed" and is used when Implies a deeper understanding or a grasp of proper etiquette/rules, often learned through experience or instruction. Not just superficial understanding..
- 汲み取る (くみとる (kumitoru) - Level: N2): Maps to "to understand (someone's feelings/intentions), to grasp, to read between the lines" and is used when Implies understanding someone's unexpressed feelings, thoughts, or intentions, often empathetically. Not just intellectual understanding, but emotional recognition..
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"
新しい職務について、すべてを心得ています。
I understand all about my new duties.
Context for "汲み取る"
相手の気持ちを汲み取って行動する。
To act by understanding the other person's feelings.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "先生の話がよく分かりました。" (Meaning: "I understood the teacher's talk well.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "分かる" is correct here because it represents "to understand" in the context: "I understood the teacher's talk well.".