The Difference Between「承知しました」と「分かりました」の違い｜Japanese Grammar (N5–N3)

(Joy bowing to boss [Shouchi shimashita] vs. Joy nodding to coworker [Wakarimashita])

“I understand.”
In daily life, 分かりました (Wakarimashita) is perfect. But in business, saying this to a client might make you sound like a student! To sound like a pro, use 承知しました (Shouchi shimashita). Let’s learn the difference with Joy and Ken.

🗣 Conversation Scene

Joy is receiving an urgent request from the Department Manager (Buchou).

Ken

Joyさん、この資料（しりょう）を 3時までに修正（しゅうせい）してくれますか？急（いそ）ぎです。
(Joy, can you correct this document by 3 PM? It’s urgent.)

Joy

はい、承知（しょうち）いたしました。すぐに取りかかります！
(Yes, “certainly / I acknowledge it”. I will start right away!)

💡 Explanation

Think about the “Respect Level”.

Point 1: Wakarimashita (分かりました) = Standard

Type: Polite Form (Teineigo)
Used for colleagues, friends, or general situations. It means “I understood the meaning.”
*Note: It is okay for a mild superior (Senpai), but not ideal for a big boss or client.

意味（いみ）が分かりました。
(I understood the meaning.)
はい、分かりました。（先輩に対して）
(Yes, understood. [To a senior])

Point 2: Shouchi shimashita (承知しました) = Business

Type: Humble Form (Kenjougo)
Used for Clients, Bosses, Customers. It means “I understand and I accept your order/request respectfully.” It sounds very reliable.

その件（けん）、承知しました。
(I understand that matter [and will handle it].)
承知いたしました。
(Even more polite version of Shouchi shimashita.)

✨ Similar Word: Kashikomarimashita (かしこまりました)
This is also very polite. It is often used when receiving an order (like a waiter or subordinate receiving instructions). It is very elegant.

📊 Comparison Table

Phrase	Politeness	Who to use with?
承知しました (Shouchi shimashita)	⭐⭐⭐ (High)	Clients, Bosses, Customers
分かりました (Wakarimashita)	⭐⭐ (Medium)	Colleagues, Seniors (Senpai)
了解です (Ryokai desu)	⭐ (Low/Casual)	Subordinates, Close Colleagues *Avoid with Bosses!

🚧 Joy’s Mistake

(Replying to the CEO)

❌ Wrong: はい、了解（りょうかい）です！
(Many learners make this mistake! “Ryokai” sounds like “Roger!” or “Okay!”. It is rude to say this to a CEO.)

✅ Right: はい、承知（しょうち）しました。
(This shows you accept the order respectfully.)

🔥 Practice Quiz

Tap to check the answer!

Q1. A client asks you to change the meeting time.
(Client: Jikan o henkou shitai desu.)

Answer: Shouchi shimashita (承知しました)
To a client, always use the humble business form.

Q2. A coworker (same level) explains how to use the printer.
(Coworker: Koko o osu nda yo.)

Answer: Wakarimashita (分かりました)
To an equal colleague, standard polite is perfect. “Shouchi” would be too stiff.

Q3. Your boss gives you a task.
(Boss: Kore, yatte oite.)

Answer: Shouchi shimashita / Kashikomarimashita
Shows professionalism. (Avoiding “Ryokai” is key!)

Keep practicing with JPLT!