Is “分かりました” Polite or Casual? Understanding Japanese Communication

As you are learning Japanese, it is highly likely that you have come across the term “Wakarimashita” ( わかりました ) multiple times. It is used frequently in Japanese schools, offices, and daily interactions. However, many learners have the same question. How to interpret “Wakarimashita,” is it impolite or is it formal? This is crucial in order to apply it to the appropriate social setting.

What does Wakarimashita mean?

Wakarimashita translates to “I understood,” or “I got it.” This phrase is used to assert that you understood the instructions and the clarity or requests given. After a teacher gives instructions and information it is not uncommon for a student to respond Wakarimashita. For example,

• はい、わかりました! (Hai, wakarimashita!) – “Yes, I Wakarimashita!”

This is an example of showing an understanding, and an example of great respect.

Being formal vs informal in Japanese

Japanese is a language that has so many levels of formality. It is highly context sensitive and you have to be careful while using it. “Wakarimashita” – This describes when someone knows something using a verb that describes actions in a formal manner. This can be used in the formal actions in the following contexts:

Conversations in a work setting

Discussions in a classroom

Interacting with customers

Wakatta (わかった) – This describes when someone knows something in a casual manner that can be used when talking with friends, family members, or someone with the same social or age level as you. For example:

Friend to friend: うん、わかった！ (Un, wakatta!) – “Yeah, got it!”

Younger to older, casual interaction

A younger person using wakatta in a work setting may be seen as disrespectful or too familiar, so they should be careful when doing this.

When to Utilize Wakarimashita

Below are examples of scenarios where wakearimashita works best:

1. At Work: Confirming a task or instruction given by a superior or a co-worker

2. In Class: Indicating to a teacher that one has understood a particular concept

3. Customer Service: A way of politely acknowledging something in a service context

4. In a Conversation: A situation where there is need to show due respect of a hierarchy

Cultural Difference
The importance of guidance or instruction that has been understood in Japanese culture is as equally important as the message of guidance themselves. The use of wakarimashita, in this case, shows attention and respect, which is a fundamental part of etiquette in Japan. This phrase may be simple, but the implications socially and professionally are great.

Advice for Beginners
• Instructing or giving guidance to managers, teachers, or clients is where wakarimashita phrases are mostly used

• wakatta phrases are used mostly in informal discussion with friends or family.

• Use sensory polite actions, such as bowing a little, to show respect.

• Listening is very important in the context. At times, wakarimashita is used as a polite way of ending a discussion.

Learn Japanese Politeness at Valiant Japanese

Practical lessons at Valiant Japanese combine lexicon and cultural context teaching. Knowing Japanese vocabulary and grammar to use words like wakarimashita and wakatta properly is essential to achieving fluency and recognition, but what is of similar importance is social context and cultural nuances that Valiant Japanese teaches. With Valiant Japanese, learners fine-tune their vocabulary for formal, informal and business communication.

Learn the nuances and social context of Japanese, and use words like wakarimashita correctly. Join Valiant Japanese and start practicing the importance of speaking Japanese politely.