What is the difference between "納得する", "承知する", "心得", "汲み取る"?

"納得する" means "to understand; to be convinced; to accept", "承知する" means "to understand; to accept; to be aware of", "心得" means "to understand, to be aware of, to be informed", "汲み取る" means "to understand (someone's feelings/intentions), to grasp, to read between the lines".

Quadruple VS

Synonym Boundary: "納得する", "承知する", "心得", "汲み取る"

All represent the core concept "understand", but require precise selection.

Japanese Option A

納得する

なっとくする (nattoku suru)

N3 / CEFR

Japanese Option B

承知する

しょうちする (shouchi 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 "納得する", "承知する", "心得", "汲み取る" based on context.

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..
承知する (しょうちする (shouchi suru) - Level: N3): Maps to "to understand; to accept; to be aware of" and is used when A formal way to say 'to understand' or 'to acknowledge'. Often used in business or polite contexts when accepting a request or acknowledging information. Less casual than わかる.
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..

Mixing these up can easily lead to unnatural translations. Refer to the bilingual context cards below to master the boundaries!

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 "承知する"

ご提案の件、承知いたしました。

I have understood your proposal. (or: I acknowledge your proposal.)

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: "彼の説明を聞いて、ようやく納得した。" (Meaning: "After listening to his explanation, I finally understood.")

🎉 Correct Answer!

Remember: "納得する" is correct here because it represents "to understand; to be convinced; to accept" in the context: "After listening to his explanation, I finally understood.".