かしこまりました

expression

certainly; understood; very well (humble)

1. certainly; understood; very well

A very polite and humble way to acknowledge a request or instruction, commonly used by service staff. The most formal alternative to わかりました.

「窓側(まどがわ)の席(せき)をお願(ねが)いします。」「かしこまりました。」

"A window seat, please." "Certainly."

「お水(みず)をもう一(いっ)杯(ぱい)いただけますか。」「かしこまりました。少々(しょうしょう)お待(ま)ちください。」

"Could I have another glass of water?" "Certainly. Please wait a moment."

「予約(よやく)を来週(らいしゅう)の金曜日(きんようび)に変更(へんこう)したいのですが。」「かしこまりました。確認(かくにん)いたします。」

"I'd like to change my reservation to next Friday." "Certainly. Let me confirm that for you."

The past tense of かしこまる (to be humbled, to respectfully acknowledge), used as a set phrase. One of the most formal acknowledgment expressions in Japanese.

Usage

Primarily used by people in service roles — hotel staff, restaurant servers, shop clerks, customer service representatives. It signals both understanding and willingness to comply with a polite, respectful tone. Not typically used between equals or in casual settings.

Formality scale

分(わ)かった — understood (casual)
分(わ)かりました — understood (polite)
承知(しょうち)しました — understood (formal/business)
かしこまりました — certainly (most formal/humble)

Similar words

承知(しょうち)しました — understood; formal business acknowledgment, slightly less humble
了解(りょうかい)しました — roger, understood; common but considered less formal
分(わ)かりました — understood; standard polite acknowledgment

Related Words

Keigo: 了解(りょうかい) (plain acknowledgment (了解しました))

Compare: 拝承(はいしょう) (acknowledged)

Compare: 承知(しょうち)する (understood)

Compare: 了解(りょうかい)する (roger, understood)

Compare: 分(わ)かる (understood)

general

Added 2026.3.26 20:49 · Revised 2026.9.4 21:31

19500/19682_kashikomarimashita