Dictionary
English - Japanese

Understand

ˌəndərˈstænd
Extremely common
400 - 500
400 - 500
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

理解する (りかいする), 分かる (わかる), 把握する (はあくする), 知る (しる), 承知する (しょうちする)

Understand meanings in Japanese

理解する (りかいする)

Example:
I understand the concept now.
私は今、その概念を理解しました。
Do you understand what I am saying?
私が言っていることが理解できますか?
Usage: FormalContext: Used in academic or serious discussions where comprehension of ideas or concepts is involved.
Note: This term is often used in contexts where deep understanding or comprehension of complex subjects is required.

分かる (わかる)

Example:
I understand your feelings.
あなたの気持ちが分かります。
It’s hard to understand this language.
この言語は理解するのが難しいです。
Usage: InformalContext: Commonly used in everyday conversation to express understanding of feelings or situations.
Note: This word is very versatile and can be used in various contexts, from casual conversations to more serious discussions.

把握する (はあくする)

Example:
I have a good understanding of the project requirements.
プロジェクトの要件を把握しています。
You need to grasp the main ideas before proceeding.
進む前に主なアイデアを把握する必要があります。
Usage: FormalContext: Used in contexts that require a detailed understanding or grasp of specific information or data.
Note: This term is often used in business or technical settings where specific details are critical.

知る (しる)

Example:
Do you know what happened?
何が起こったのか知っていますか?
I know what you mean.
あなたが言いたいことは分かります。
Usage: InformalContext: Used in casual conversations to indicate awareness or knowledge of a situation or fact.
Note: While this word translates to 'know', it can imply a level of understanding in certain contexts.

承知する (しょうちする)

Example:
I understand your request.
あなたの要求を承知しました。
Please let me know if you understand.
理解したら教えてください。
Usage: FormalContext: Often used in business or polite contexts to indicate agreement or acknowledgment of information.
Note: This is a more formal way to express understanding, often used in customer service or professional settings.

Understand's synonyms

comprehend

To grasp the meaning or significance of something.
Example: She struggled to comprehend the complex instructions.
Note: Comprehend is often used for deeper understanding or grasping complex ideas.

grasp

To understand something completely or thoroughly.
Example: It took him a while to grasp the concept of quantum physics.
Note: Grasp can imply a more thorough or complete understanding.

get

To come to understand or realize something.
Example: I finally got what she was trying to say.
Note: Get is a more colloquial and informal way of expressing understanding.

perceive

To become aware of, know, or identify by means of the senses.
Example: He perceived the underlying message in her words.
Note: Perceive often involves sensing or becoming aware of something rather than just understanding it intellectually.

Understand expressions, common phrases

Get the hang of

To become familiar or skilled in something; to understand or master something.
Example: It took me a while, but I finally got the hang of using the new software.
Note: This phrase emphasizes gaining proficiency or skill in understanding something.

Wrap one's head around

To understand something that is complex or difficult to grasp.
Example: I can't wrap my head around the concept of time travel.
Note: This phrase highlights the challenge of comprehending a difficult or abstract concept.

Click with

To be easily understood or accepted by someone.
Example: The new teaching method really clicked with the students.
Note: This phrase suggests a positive reception or quick understanding of something.

Make sense of

To understand or interpret something logically; to find meaning in something.
Example: After reading the instructions a few times, I was able to make sense of them.
Note: This phrase focuses on interpreting information or situations in a coherent and logical way.

Grasp the concept

To understand the fundamental idea or meaning of something.
Example: It took me a while, but I finally grasped the concept of quantum physics.
Note: This phrase specifically refers to understanding the core idea or principle behind a concept.

Catch on

To begin to understand or realize something after a period of confusion.
Example: She was a bit confused at first, but eventually, she caught on to the new rules.
Note: This phrase indicates a gradual understanding or realization after initial confusion or uncertainty.

See eye to eye

To agree with someone; to have the same opinion or understanding.
Example: We don't always see eye to eye on every issue, but we respect each other's opinions.
Note: This phrase refers to having a shared perspective or agreement on a particular matter.

Understand everyday (slang) expressions

Get it

To understand or comprehend something.
Example: I finally get it! Thanks for explaining it to me.
Note: Similar to 'understand', but more casual and conversational.

Pick up

To grasp or comprehend something.
Example: It took me a while, but I finally picked up what he was saying.
Note: Implies gradually understanding something, similar to learning.

Cotton on to

To finally understand or become aware of something after it was not immediately clear.
Example: I've finally cottoned on to what she's been hinting at all this time.
Note: Suggests a sudden realization or understanding after a period of confusion or uncertainty.

Get the picture

To finally grasp the full understanding of something, especially after multiple explanations or instances.
Example: I explained it three times already. Do you finally get the picture?
Note: Conveys a sense of clarity or completion in understanding a situation or concept.

Catch the drift

To understand the hidden or implied meaning behind something.
Example: He was dropping hints all night, and I finally caught the drift.
Note: Focuses on understanding subtle or indirect messages rather than explicit information.

Tune in

To become aware of or understand something, especially after initially not paying attention or being confused.
Example: It took a while, but I eventually tuned in to what she was trying to say.
Note: Similar to picking up or grasping something, but also implies paying attention and focusing on understanding.

Nailed it

To perfectly understand or accomplish something.
Example: After studying all night, I finally nailed the concept for the exam.
Note: Indicates not just understanding, but mastering or excelling at a particular concept or task.

Understand - Examples

I understand your point of view.
She can't understand why he left.
He is a very understanding person.

Understand grammar

Understand - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)
Lemma: understand
Conjugations
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): understood
Verb, past participle (Verb, past participle): understood
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): understanding
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): understands
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): understand
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): understand
Syllables, Separation and Stress
understand Contains 3 syllables: un • der • stand
Phonetic transcription: ˌən-dər-ˈstand
un der stand , ˌən dər ˈstand (The red syllable is stressed)

Understand - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
understand: 400 - 500 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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