Translation and Meaning of: 畏まりました - kashikomarimashita

If you are learning Japanese or have an interest in the language, you may have come across the word 畏まりました (かしこまりました). This expression is widely used in everyday Japanese, especially in formal situations, and carries interesting cultural nuances. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, translation, and how it is perceived by native speakers. Additionally, you will find practical tips for memorizing it and understanding its use in real contexts.

The meaning and translation of かしこまりました is "Understood" or "I understand."

畏まりました (かしこまりました) is a Japanese expression that conveys respect and readiness. In direct translation, it can be understood as "understood" or "comprehended," but its meaning goes beyond that. Unlike a simple "はい" (yes), it carries a tone of humility and deference, often used by employees in customer service or in hierarchical situations.

In Brazil, the word is often associated with "yes, sir" or "certainly" due to its formality. However, its use is not limited to affirmative responses. It can also indicate that the person is aware of an instruction and commits to fulfilling it, reinforcing the importance of education in Japanese culture.

The origin and the writing in kanji

The word かしこまりました comes from the verb 畏まる (かしこまる), which means "to obey" or "to act with respect." The kanji 畏 (meaning "fear" or "respect") combined with まる (a verbal suffix) reinforces the idea of polite submission. Although it is often written in hiragana in everyday life, the kanji form appears in more formal or literary contexts.

It is worth noting that, despite its ancient origin, the expression remains extremely relevant in modern Japanese. Service companies, such as restaurants and hotels, encourage their employees to use it to convey professionalism and courtesy, demonstrating how the language reflects deep social values.

How and when to use かしこまりました

The use of かしこまりました is more common in asymmetric interactions, where there is a clear difference in hierarchy or formality. For example, waiters, receptionists, and store attendants use it to demonstrate that they have noted a request or order. In contrast, among friends or family, it would sound excessively stiff, being replaced by more casual forms like "わかった" (got it).

One tip to memorize this word is to associate it with service situations. If you have eaten at a Japanese restaurant, you probably heard "かしこまりました!" after placing your order. This connection with real experiences makes it easier to retain the vocabulary and helps to understand its specific tone.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

敬意を表します (Keii o hyōshimasu) - I express my respect.
ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu) - I thank you (formal).
お疲れ様でした (Otsukaresama deshita) - Thank you for your work (used in the past).
ご苦労様でした (Gokurousama deshita) - I thank you for your effort (used in the past, generally for subordinates).
お疲れさまでした (Otsukaresama deshita) - Thank you for your work (used in the past).
ご苦労さまでした (Gokurousama deshita) - I appreciate your effort (used in the past).
お疲れ様です (Otsukaresama desu) - Thank you for your work (used in the present).
ご苦労様です (Gokurousama desu) - I appreciate your effort (used in the present, generally for subordinates).
お疲れさまです (Otsukaresama desu) - Thank you for your work (used in the present).
ご苦労さまです (Gokurousama desu) - I appreciate your effort (used in the present, generally for subordinates).
お疲れ様ございます (Otsukaresama gozaimasu) - I appreciate your work (very formal).
ご苦労様ございます (Gokurousama gozaimasu) - I appreciate your effort (very formal, usually for subordinates).
お疲れ様でございます (Otsukaresama de gozaimasu) - I appreciate your work (very formal).
ご苦労様でございます (Gokurousama de gozaimasu) - I appreciate your effort (very formal, usually for subordinates).