Introduction
In professional and everyday communication, saying “understood” clearly and appropriately is very important. In Japanese, however, there is not just one word that fits every situation. The expression you choose depends on your relationship with the other person, the level of formality, and the context of the conversation.
If you use the wrong phrase, you might sound too casual, too stiff, or even slightly rude. That’s why learning multiple professional expressions for “understood” in Japanese is essential—especially for business settings, emails, meetings, and customer service situations.
In this guide, you’ll learn 10 useful Japanese expressions, when to use them, and see practical example sentences to help you use them naturally and confidently.
1. わかりました (Wakarimashita)
This is the most common polite way to say “I understood.” It is suitable for most everyday professional situations.
Level: Polite (standard)
A: 明日の会議は10時からです。
B: わかりました。(A: Tomorrow’s meeting starts at 10.)
(B: Understood.)
Use this with coworkers, supervisors, or clients in normal business settings.
2. 承知しました (Shōchi shimashita)
This is more formal and humble than わかりました. It is commonly used in business, especially when speaking to customers or superiors.
Level: Very polite / formal
ご依頼の件、承知しました。すぐに対応いたします。
(I understand your request. I will handle it immediately.)
This phrase shows respect and professionalism.
3. かしこまりました (Kashikomarimashita)
This is extremely polite and often used in customer service, hotels, restaurants, and formal business environments.
Level: Highly formal
A: 予約をキャンセルしてください。
B: かしこまりました。(A: Please cancel the reservation.)
(B: Certainly / Understood.)
This expression shows strong respect and obedience.
4. 了解です (Ryōkai desu)
This phrase means “Got it” or “Understood.” It is casual and often used between coworkers of equal status.
Level: Casual to semi-formal
A: このファイルを今日中に送ってください。
B: 了解です。(A: Please send this file by today.)
(B: Got it.)
Avoid using this with clients or superiors, as it can sound too casual.
5. 了解しました (Ryōkai shimashita)
This is slightly more polite than 了解です, but still not as formal as 承知しました.
Level: Polite, but not highly formal
スケジュールの変更、了解しました。
(I understand the schedule change.)
Use carefully in business; some companies prefer 承知しました instead.
6. 理解しました (Rikai shimashita)
This literally means “I understood” in the sense of intellectually understanding something.
Level: Neutral/formal
説明を聞いて、内容を理解しました。
(After hearing the explanation, I understood the content.)
This is often used in academic or technical discussions.
7. 承りました (Ukemawarimashita)
This means “I have received (your message/request)” and is commonly used in customer service or phone conversations.
Level: Formal
ご予約を承りました。
(We have received your reservation.)
This expression focuses on receiving information or a request.
8. OKです (OK desu)
This is a very casual, modern expression borrowed from English.
Level: Casual
A: 明日手伝ってくれる？
B: OKです！(A: Can you help tomorrow?)
(B: OK!)
Do not use this in formal business settings.
Comparison Table
| Expression | Formality Level | Best Used In |
|---|---|---|
| わかりました | Polite | General business situations |
| 承知しました | Very Formal | Clients, superiors |
| かしこまりました | Highly Formal | Customer service |
| 了解です | Casual | Colleagues |
| 了解しました | Moderate | Internal workplace use |
| 理解しました | Neutral/Formal | Technical discussions |
| 承りました | Formal | Receiving requests |
| OKです | Very Casual | Friends |
Key Takeaways
- Japanese has multiple ways to say “understood,” depending on formality.
- For safe business use, choose 承知しました or わかりました.
- Avoid 了解です with clients or superiors.
- Customer service professionals often use かしこまりました.
- Match your expression to the relationship and situation.
Conclusion
Understanding how to say “understood” professionally in Japanese can greatly improve your communication skills. The key is choosing the correct level of politeness. In most business settings, 承知しました and わかりました are safe and professional choices. For highly formal situations, use かしこまりました.
By learning these expressions and practicing them in real conversations, you will sound more natural, respectful, and confident in Japanese professional environments.