Meaning

Primary

Understanding

Alternatives

Got It, Understood

Word Type

noun, verbal noun, expression

Explanation

When you've finished solving something, you've come to a point of understanding.

了解 is often used to show your understanding of information or instructions that have been communicated to you, similar to "Got it" or "Understood." It can also be used to show agreement, approval, or consent, since those things naturally depend on mutual understanding too.

Reading

りょうかい
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

This is a jukugo word that uses the on'yomi readings of the kanji. You should be able to read this on your own.

Context

Patterns of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 了解をいただく

    to receive consent, to receive someone's understanding

    了解をもらう

    to receive consent, to receive someone's understanding

    了解を取る

    to get agreement

    了解をする

    to agree, to understand

Context Sentences

了解しました。

Understood.

了解!今すぐそっちに向かうよ。

Got it! I'll head over there right now.

了解です。明日ゆっくり話し合いましょう。

Understood. Let's take time to discuss it tomorrow.

うちのオフィスには、マミのベーコンを勝手に食べてはいけないという暗黙の了解がある。

At our office, there's a tacit understanding that we should not eat Mami's bacon without her permission.

Kanji Composition