Usage Explanation ①: 分かる (wakaru) – “To Know” or “To Get It”

分かる (wakaru) is the word you will use most of the time. It means you have received information and you “know” it or “get it.” It’s about a general, often intuitive, understanding.

It’s often used for facts, language, or simple situations. The key particle is usually が (ga) or は (wa).

Example 1: (Knowing a fact)

私（わたし）は、彼（かれ）の電話番号（でんわばんごう）が分かります。(Watashi wa, kare no denwa bangō ga wakarimasu.)

I know his phone number.

Example 2: (Understanding language)

日本語（にほんご）が、少（すこ）し分かります。(Nihongo ga, sukoshi wakarimasu.)

I understand a little Japanese.

Example 3: (Getting the point)

A: 「分かりますか？」 (Wakarimasu ka?) – “Do you understand?”
B: 「はい、分かりました。」 (Hai, wakarimashita.) – “Yes, I get it.”

Usage Explanation ②: 理解する (rikai suru) – “To Comprehend”

理解する (rikai suru) is a more formal and “deeper” word. It means “to comprehend” or “to understand the logic, reason, or system” behind something. It’s not just knowing a fact, but understanding *why* or *how*.

It is often used for complex topics, theories, or someone’s feelings. The key particle is を (o).

Example 1: (Complex topic)

その理論（りろん）を理解するのは、難（むずか）しい。(Sono riron o rikai suru no wa, muzukashii.)

It is difficult to comprehend that theory.

Example 2: (Understanding feelings)

あなたの気持（きも）ちを理解します。(Anata no kimochi o rikai shimasu.)

I understand your feelings (deeply).

Example 3: (Formal situation)

内容（ないよう）を、正（ただ）しく理解してください。(Naiyō o, tadashiku rikai shite kudasai.)

Please comprehend the contents correctly. (Formal)

Comparison: 分かる (wakaru) vs 理解する (rikai suru)

Let’s compare them side-by-side.

Common Mistake Examples

Mistake 1: In the classroom

A little strange:

（先生（せんせい）が）「みなさん、理解しましたか？」(Minasan, rikai shimashita ka?)

Correct:

（先生（せんせい）が）「みなさん、分かりましたか？」(Minasan, wakarimashita ka?)

Why?

理解しましたか (rikai shimashita ka) is too formal and strong. It sounds like “Did you fully comprehend the deep logic?” The teacher just wants to know “Did you get it?” so 分かりましたか (wakarimashita ka) is natural.

Mistake 2: Knowing a simple fact

Wrong:

私（わたし）は、彼（かれ）の名前（なまえ）を理解しています。(Watashi wa, kare no namae o rikai shite imasu.)

Correct:

私（わたし）は、彼（かれ）の名前（なまえ）が分かります。(Watashi wa, kare no namae ga wakarimasu.)

Why?

You don’t “comprehend” a name, you just “know” it. Use 分かる (wakaru) for simple information.

Practice Quiz

Let’s check your understanding! Choose the correct word for ( ).

Q1.

A「すみません、駅（えき）はどこですか？」
B「あ、駅（えき）の場所（ばしょ）なら ( ) よ。」

A: “Excuse me, where is the station?”
B: “Oh, if it’s the station’s location, I ( ) it.”

1. 分かります (wakarimasu)
2. 理解します (rikai shimasu)

Q2.

彼（かれ）の行動（こうどう）は、私（わたし）には ( ) できません。

I cannot ( ) his actions. (His motives are too complex.)

1. 分かり (wakari)
2. 理解 (rikai)

Q3.

今日（きょう）の文法（ぶんぽう）は、よく ( )。

I ( ) today’s grammar well.

1. 分かりました (wakarimashita)
2. 理解しました (rikai shimashita)

(Note: Both can be okay, but which is more natural for a student?)

Summary: Key Differences

This is a simple but important nuance for N4-N3 learners.

• 分かる (wakaru): “I know,” “I get it.” Use this in 90% of daily situations. It uses が (ga).
• 理解する (rikai suru): “I comprehend.” Use this for complex, logical, or deep topics. It is formal and uses を (o).

When in doubt, use 分かる (wakaru). It is almost always safe!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the simple difference between 分かる (wakaru) and 理解する (rikai suru)?

A1: The simple difference is in the *level* of understanding.

• 分かる (wakaru) is “to know” or “to get it.” It’s an everyday, general understanding of information. (e.g., “I know his name,” “I understand the question.”)
• 理解する (rikai suru) is “to comprehend.” It’s a deeper, logical understanding of a complex system, reason, or someone’s feelings. (e.g., “I comprehend the theory,” “I understand your feelings.”)

Q2: When a teacher asks “Do you understand?”, what do they say?

A2: A teacher will almost always use: 「分かりますか？」 (Wakarimasu ka?) This is the standard, everyday way to check if you “get” the information. If they say 「理解しましたか？」 (Rikai shimashita ka?), it sounds very formal and serious, like they are asking if you “fully comprehend” a very difficult topic.

Q3: Which one is more common in daily conversation?

A3: 分かる (wakaru) is much, much more common in daily conversation. You use it 90% of the time for “I understand” or “I know.” 理解する (rikai suru) is more common in writing, business, or when you are talking about complex or emotional topics.

Related Articles

• The Difference Between 「分かる (wakaru)」 and 「知っている (shitte iru)」
• Particle 「を」 (o) vs. 「が」 (ga): The Complete Guide