Translation and Meaning of: 了解 - ryoukai

The Japanese word 「了解」(ryoukai) is often used in everyday life to express understanding or agreement. It is a quite common word in both informal and formal settings, used to confirm that a message has been understood. The etymology of 「了解」 is composed of two kanji: 「了」(ryou), which means "complete" or "finished," and 「解」(kai), which means "to understand" or "to solve." When combined, these characters form the idea of "complete understanding" or "comprehension."

The use of 「了解」 dates back many years in the Japanese language, and the word has its roots deeply embedded in Japanese communication culture. This expression not only conveys the simple act of understanding something but can also involve a level of acceptance or condescension with the context in question. In various social and professional situations, saying 「了解」 is equivalent to "ok" or "I understand" in other languages. Thus, it carries a lightness that often makes communication more effective and direct.

In terms of variation, 「了解」 can be used in combinations or more polite variants, such as 「了承」(ryoushou), which also means "understanding" or "approval," but is used in more formal contexts. Moreover, in the Japanese military world, it is common to hear 「了解」, used in situations that require a brief affirmation and compliance with orders. This diverse application and the flexibility in intonation when using the word reflect the richness of the Japanese language in conveying different nuances through variable contexts.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 承知 (shouchi) - Agreement or acceptance of something.
• 理解 (rikai) - General understanding or comprehension.
• 納得 (nattoku) - Understanding that leads to acceptance, often after reflection.
• 了承 (ryoushou) - Formal acceptance or consent.
• 認識 (ninshiki) - Recognition or awareness.
• 理解する (rikai suru) - The act of understanding.
• 分かる (wakaru) - Understand, often used in simple contexts.
• 理解できる (rikai dekiru) - Ability to understand.
• 理解すること (rikai suru koto) - The act of understanding (more formal expression).
• 理解度 (rikai-do) - Level of comprehension.
• 理解力 (rikai-ryoku) - Ability or capacity for understanding.
• 理解範囲 (rikai han'i) - Scope or range of understanding.
• 理解度合い (rikai doai) - Degree or measure of understanding.
• 理解しやすい (rikai shiyasui) - Easy to understand.
• 理解がある (rikai ga aru) - To have understanding or empathy about something.
• 理解しなければならない (rikai shinakereba naranai) - One must understand (obligation to understand).
• 理解を深める (rikai o fukameru) - Deepen the understanding.
• 理解を示す (rikai o shimesu) - Demonstrate understanding.
• 理解を得る (rikai o eru) - Get understanding.
• 理解を促す (rikai o unagasu) - Encourage understanding.
• 理解を示すこと (rikai o shimesu koto) - The act of demonstrating understanding.
• 理解を示さなければならない (rikai o shimesanakereba naranai) - It is necessary to demonstrate understanding (obligation).
• 理解を示すために (rikai o shimesu tame ni) - To demonstrate understanding.

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了解

Romaji: ryoukai
Kana: りょうかい
Type: Noun and verb
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: Understanding; consent; comprehension; Roger (on the radio)

Meaning in English: comprehension;consent;understanding;roger (on the radio)

Definition: Understand: To understand and agree with something.

Example Sentences - (了解) ryoukai

See below some example sentences:

了解しました

Ryōkai shimashita

Understood.

I understood

• 了解 - means "understood" or "comprehended" in Japanese.
• しました - is the past form of the verb "to do" in Japanese, indicating that the action of "understanding" has already been completed.