かしこまりました
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.
「窓側の席をお願いします。」「かしこまりました。」
"A window seat, please." "Certainly."
「お水をもう一杯いただけますか。」「かしこまりました。少々お待ちください。」
"Could I have another glass of water?" "Certainly. Please wait a moment."
「予約を来週の金曜日に変更したいのですが。」「かしこまりました。確認いたします。」
"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:
- 分かった — understood (casual)
- 分かりました — understood (polite)
- 承知しました — understood (formal/business)
- かしこまりました — certainly (most formal/humble)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 承知しました — understood; formal business acknowledgment, slightly less humble
- 了解しました — roger, understood; common but considered less formal
- 分かりました — understood; standard polite acknowledgment