Meaning
to understand; to comprehend; to grasp; to appreciate
Nuance & Usage
理解する means to understand something conceptually or emotionally. 内容を理解する (to understand the content), 人の気持ちを理解する (to understand someone's feelings), 理解を深める (to deepen one's understanding), 理解を示す (to show understanding/empathy) are common expressions. 相互理解 (sougo-rikai — mutual understanding) is used in international and social contexts. The noun 理解 (rikai — understanding) is also widely used: 理解が早い (quick to understand), ご理解とご協力をお願いします (We ask for your understanding and cooperation — a very common formal phrase).
Common Mistakes
Learners confuse 理解する with 分かる (wakaru — to understand, casual and direct), 把握する (haaku suru — to fully grasp/comprehend), and 納得する (nattoku suru — to be convinced/satisfied with an explanation). 理解する is more formal and broader than 分かる. 理解できない (cannot understand) is more formal than 分からない. The phrase ご理解ください (please understand) appears frequently in formal announcements when asking for tolerance or acceptance of an inconvenience.
Example Sentences
相手の立場を理解しようとすることが、良い人間関係の基本だ。
あいてのたちばをりかいしようとすることが、よいにんげんかんけいのきほんだ。
Trying to understand the other person's perspective is the foundation of good relationships.
授業の内容を完全に理解するのに、少し時間がかかった。
じゅぎょうのないようをかんぜんにりかいするのに、すこしじかんがかかった。
It took me a little time to fully understand the content of the lesson.
ご不便をおかけしますが、ご理解とご協力をお願いいたします。
ごふべんをおかけしますが、ごりかいとごきょうりょくをおねがいいたします。
We apologize for any inconvenience and ask for your understanding and cooperation.
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