Understanding the nuances of any language is key to effective communication, especially in professional settings. When communicating in Japanese, there are various ways to express “understood,” each suited for different contexts, levels of formality, and relationships.
This article introduces ways to say “understood” in Japanese, along with practical email or conversation examples for each. By using these expressions, you’ll be able to enhance your professional Japanese and avoid sounding robotic or repetitive.
Top Professional Expressions for ‘Understood’ in Japanese
- わかりました (Wakarimashita)
- 理解しました (Rikai shimashita)
- わかります (Wakarimasu)
- なるほど (Naruhodo)
- 了解しました (Ryōkai shimashita)
- あなたの言いたいことは理解できます (Anata no iitai koto wa rikai dekimasu)
- きちんと理解できました (Kichinto rikai dekimashita)
- 正確に理解しました (Seikaku ni rikai shimashita)
- 感じ取れました (Kanjitoremashita)
- おっしゃる通りです (Ossharu tōri desu)
- 分かるように努力します (Wakaru yō ni doryoku shimasu)
- ちゃんと把握しました (Chanto haaku shimashita)
- その件についてよくわかりました (Sono ken ni tsuite yoku wakarimashita)
- しっかり理解しました (Shikkari rikai shimashita)
- その点について理解しました (Sono ten ni tsuite rikai shimashita)
- きちんと理解しました (Kichinto rikai shimashita)
- おっしゃることはわかります (Ossharu koto wa wakarimasu)
- ご指摘の通りです (Goshiteki no tōri desu)
- 完全に理解しました (Kanzen ni rikai shimashita)
- よくわかりました (Yoku wakarimashita)
1. 承知しました (Shōchi shimashita)
Meaning: I have understood / Acknowledged
Scenario Example:
Subject: Project Update
Dear Darcy,
I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to confirm that I have received your latest instructions regarding the upcoming project deadline. 承知しました. I understand the changes you’ve outlined, and I will adjust our timeline accordingly.
If you have any further modifications or additions, please let me know. I’ll keep you updated on our progress.
Best regards,
Elizabeth
Additional Insights:
承知しました is one of the most formal ways to acknowledge instructions or information in Japanese. It’s commonly used in business environments, especially when communicating with superiors, clients, or business partners.
2. わかりました (Wakarimashita)
Meaning: I understand
Scenario Example:
Subject: Marketing Strategy Meeting
Dear Darcy,
Thank you for the detailed presentation on the new marketing strategy. I appreciate your efforts in making everything clear. わかりました. I will begin implementing these strategies in our upcoming campaign and ensure our team follows the outlined steps closely.
Looking forward to discussing this further in our next meeting.
Best,
Elizabeth
Additional Insights:
わかりました is a commonly used phrase in both formal and informal situations. It shows clear comprehension and is typically used when you’re ready to proceed based on the given instructions.
3. 理解しました (Rikai shimashita)
Meaning: I have comprehended / Understood
Scenario Example:
Subject: Feedback on Report
Dear Darcy,
I appreciate your feedback on my recent report. I have carefully considered your comments and 理解しました your perspective. I will make the necessary adjustments and submit the revised version by the end of the week.
Thank you for your guidance and input.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth
Additional Insights:
理解しました conveys a deeper level of understanding, making it appropriate for academic or professional settings where analysis or thoughtful comprehension is important. It reflects that you’ve understood both the content and the implications of the feedback.
4. 了解しました (Ryōkai shimashita)
Meaning: I have grasped the situation
Scenario Example:
Subject: Team Roles Clarification
Dear Darcy,
Thank you for clarifying the team roles for the project. 了解しました and will ensure that everyone is aligned with their responsibilities. I’ll monitor the team’s progress and update you regularly.
Please feel free to reach out if you need further assistance.
Best,
Elizabeth
Additional Insights:
了解しました is typically used in formal contexts, emphasizing that the speaker has understood the overall situation or instructions. It can also be used in military or hierarchical settings to confirm orders or tasks.
5. おっしゃる通りです (Ossharu tōri desu)
Meaning: As you said / You’re absolutely right
Scenario Example:
Subject: Sales Strategy Review
Dear Darcy,
Thank you for your insights during our sales strategy review. おっしゃる通りです about the need for a more targeted marketing approach. I completely agree and will work on adjusting our current strategy to reflect these new priorities.
Looking forward to seeing how these changes affect our next quarter’s performance.
Best regards,
Elizabeth
Additional Insights:
This phrase shows that you not only understood but also agree with the other person’s point of view. It’s often used to acknowledge someone’s authority or expertise on a matter, making it useful in professional discussions.
6. しっかり把握しました (Shikkari haaku shimashita)
Meaning: I have firmly grasped
Scenario Example:
Subject: Budget Planning Meeting
Dear Darcy,
Following our budget planning meeting, I want to express that I しっかり把握しました the financial guidelines we discussed. I will ensure that our upcoming project aligns with these parameters and stays within the budget.
If there are any additional points you would like to address, please let me know. Thank you again for your insights.
Best,
Elizabeth
Additional Insights:
しっかり把握しました emphasizes that you have thoroughly understood and grasped the details of a matter, making it a useful phrase when you want to show attention to important or complex topics.
7. その通りです (Sono tōri desu)
Meaning: That’s correct / Exactly
Scenario Example:
Subject: Weekly Update
Dear Darcy,
I wanted to confirm that the timeline you proposed for the upcoming project is feasible. その通りです, and I will ensure my team is prepared to meet these deadlines.
Thank you for your guidance. Please let me know if there are any updates or additional tasks for us to address.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth
Additional Insights:
その通りです is a simple and direct way to express agreement. It can be used in both formal and informal situations and is especially helpful when confirming factual or procedural information.
8. 確認しました (Kakunin shimashita)
Meaning: I have confirmed
Scenario Example:
Subject: Event Logistics
Dear Darcy,
I have reviewed the logistics for our upcoming event and 確認しました all necessary details, including the venue and catering arrangements. Everything appears to be in order, and I will continue to oversee the final preparations.
Please let me know if there are any last-minute changes or concerns.
Best regards,
Elizabeth
Additional Insights:
This phrase is often used in formal business settings when confirming specific details, instructions, or documents. It implies thorough checking and verification.
9. 賛成です (Sansei desu)
Meaning: I agree / I concur
Scenario Example:
Subject: Project Proposal Discussion
Dear Darcy,
After reviewing your project proposal, I want to express that 賛成です with your suggestions regarding the marketing approach. I believe this direction will significantly benefit our objectives and help us achieve the desired results.
Looking forward to implementing this strategy and discussing further details in our next meeting.
Best,
Elizabeth
Additional Insights:
賛成です is an excellent phrase to use in discussions where you want to express agreement with a proposal or opinion. It signals collaboration and consensus-building.
10. 同意します (Dōi shimasu)
Meaning: I agree / I consent
Scenario Example:
Subject: Strategic Decisions
Dear Darcy,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on our strategic direction. I 同意します with your assessment and believe that your recommendations will lead us to success. I will begin working on the next steps to ensure smooth execution.
Let’s discuss the finer details during our next meeting.
Warm regards,
Elizabeth
Additional Insights:
同意します is a more formal way of expressing agreement or consent, often used in legal or business contexts where official approval or shared agreement is required.
11. 受け入れました (Ukeire mashita)
Meaning: I have accepted
Scenario Example:
Subject: Client Proposal
Dear Darcy,
I wanted to inform you that I 受け入れました the client’s proposal as discussed. We will proceed with the next steps and keep you updated on our progress.
Thank you for your support and assistance with this matter.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth
Additional Insights:
This expression is often used to show that you have accepted an offer, proposal, or terms, and it implies readiness to move forward with an agreement or decision.
12. 承りました (Uketamawari mashita)
Meaning: I have received / Acknowledged
Scenario Example:
Subject: Document Submission
Dear Darcy,
I wanted to confirm that I 承りました your submitted documents. They are currently under review, and I will ensure to get back to you shortly with my feedback.
Thank you for your patience, and please feel free to reach out if you have any further questions.
Best regards,
Elizabeth
Additional Insights:
承りました is a very formal way to acknowledge receipt of something, often used in business and legal correspondence, particularly when confirming the reception of important documents or requests.
13. 了解です (Ryōkai desu)
Meaning: Understood / Acknowledged
Scenario Example:
Subject: Task Assignment
Dear Darcy,
Thank you for assigning the tasks for the upcoming project. I 了解です and will ensure my team is prepared to tackle these responsibilities effectively. I’ll keep you posted on our progress and any potential challenges.
If you have any further instructions, please feel free to reach out.
Best,
Elizabeth
Additional Insights:
了解です is a common and versatile phrase used in workplace conversations, often to indicate immediate understanding of assignments or tasks.
14. しっかり理解しました (Shikkari rikai shimashita)
Meaning: I have fully understood
Scenario Example:
Subject: Software Update Instructions
Dear Darcy,
Thank you for explaining the software update process in detail. しっかり理解しました and will make sure to follow the steps carefully to ensure a smooth transition for the team.
Please let me know if there are any additional tips or best practices we should keep in mind during the implementation.
Warm regards,
Elizabeth
Additional Insights:
しっかり理解しました shows that you’ve thoroughly understood something, making it appropriate for technical or complex situations where attention to detail is critical.
15. その点について理解しました (Sono ten ni tsuite rikai shimashita)
Meaning: I understand that point
Scenario Example:
Subject: Client Meeting Follow-Up
Dear Darcy,
I wanted to follow up on our client meeting. その点について理解しました, and I appreciate your insights on how to handle their concerns. I will draft a new proposal addressing their specific needs and will send it to you for review.
Thanks again for your support.
Best regards,
Elizabeth
Additional Insights:
This phrase highlights understanding of a specific point or issue, making it useful for addressing individual aspects of a broader discussion.
16. きちんと理解しました (Kichinto rikai shimashita)
Meaning: I have properly understood
Scenario Example:
Subject: Training Session
Dear Darcy,
Thank you for leading the training session yesterday. I きちんと理解しました the procedures and will ensure that the team adheres to these new guidelines. If any questions arise, I will reach out for clarification.
Looking forward to applying these practices in our daily operations.
Best regards,
Elizabeth
Additional Insights:
きちんと理解しました expresses that you’ve understood the content well and properly, making it a strong phrase for situations where precision is key, such as training or compliance.
17. おっしゃることはわかります (Ossharu koto wa wakarimasu)
Meaning: I understand what you are saying
Scenario Example:
Subject: Proposal Review
Dear Darcy,
I’ve gone through your proposal and appreciate the points you’ve raised. おっしゃることはわかります, and I think your approach aligns well with our objectives. I’ll discuss it further with the team and provide feedback soon.
Thanks for your valuable input.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth
Additional Insights:
This phrase is useful for showing empathy and understanding, often used when responding to someone’s explanation or proposal.
18. ご指摘の通りです (Goshiteki no tōri desu)
Meaning: As you pointed out
Scenario Example:
Subject: Process Improvement Review
Dear Darcy,
I appreciate your comments on the process improvement review. ご指摘の通りです, and I will ensure the adjustments are made in line with your recommendations.
Thank you for your continued support.
Best,
Elizabeth
Additional Insights:
This phrase shows respect for someone’s observations, making it ideal for feedback discussions.
19. 完全に理解しました (Kanzen ni rikai shimashita)
Meaning: I have fully understood
Scenario Example:
Subject: Budget Allocation
Dear Darcy,
Following our discussion on budget allocation, I want to confirm that 完全に理解しました the distribution of funds. I will make the necessary adjustments to our financial plans.
If you have any further instructions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Best regards,
Elizabeth
Additional Insights:
This expression emphasizes complete understanding, making it suitable for detailed, complex discussions.
20. よくわかりました (Yoku wakarimashita)
Meaning: I have clearly understood
Scenario Example:
Subject: Sales Performance Overview
Dear Darcy,
Thank you for providing the sales performance overview for the last quarter. I よくわかりました the trends you highlighted and will work on improving our sales strategy based on these insights.
Looking forward to your feedback.
Best,
Elizabeth
Additional Insights:
This phrase adds clarity to the understanding, ideal for reports or performance reviews.
