理解(りかい)する

りかいする
verb (suru)
to understand, to comprehend
1. to understand, to comprehend, to grasp
To mentally grasp the meaning, significance, or nature of something.
その説明(せつめい)で理解(りかい)できた。
I understood with that explanation.
Potential form
複雑(ふくざつ)な状況(じょうきょう)を理解(りかい)するのは難(むずか)しい。
It's difficult to understand the complex situation.
2. to be understanding, to be sympathetic
To show acceptance and empathy toward someone's situation or feelings.
彼(かれ)の気持(きも)ちを理解(りかい)してあげてください。
Please try to understand his feelings.
Sympathetic understanding

TRANSITIVITY: 他動詞(たどうし) (transitive). Pattern: Xを理解(りかい)する (understand X).

ASPECT: ている indicates resulting state. 理解(りかい)している = 'understands' or 'has understood.'

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • 深(ふか)く理解(りかい)する (deeply understand)
  • 相互(そうご)理解(りかい) (mutual understanding)
  • 理解(りかい)を示(しめ)す (show understanding)
  • 理解(りかい)に苦(くる)しむ (struggle to understand)

SIMILAR WORDS: 分(わ)かる is more casual and intuitive; 理解(りかい)する implies intellectual comprehension.

Related Words

Related: 分(わ)かる
core
Added 2026.1.17 11:05 · Revised 2026.1.19 21:17
06000/06059_rikaisuru