納得する
なっとくする·nattoku suru
Meaning
to be convinced; to accept; to understand and agree
Nuance & Usage
納得する means to understand something fully and accept it as reasonable. It implies intellectual and emotional agreement. 納得がいく (nattoku ga iku) means 'to be satisfied/convinced.' 納得がいかない means 'I'm not convinced' or 'I can't accept that.' Unlike ただ理解する (just understanding), 納得 involves accepting something as valid or fair.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 納得する with 理解する (rikai suru — to understand). 理解する is purely intellectual comprehension, while 納得する includes emotional acceptance. You can 理解する something without 納得する it — you understand the reasoning but don't agree. Also, the expression 納得がいく is very common, but don't say 納得が来る — always use いく.
Example Sentences (3)
彼の説明を聞いて、やっと納得した。
かれのせつめいをきいて、やっとなっとくした。
After hearing his explanation, I was finally convinced.
この結果には納得がいかない。
このけっかにはなっとくがいかない。
I can't accept this result.
お客様が納得するまで丁寧に説明した。
おきゃくさまがなっとくするまでていねいにせつめいした。
I explained politely until the customer was satisfied.
Quick Quiz
Quick Quiz
N24 questionsTest your knowledge of 納得する with 4 different question types.
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