How to Say "I don't understand" in Japanese
The most natural way to say "I don't understand" in Japanese is わかりません. Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.
Other ways to say it
When to use it
Use this phrase when you genuinely do not understand something someone has said. It is polite and appropriate in most situations. You can use it in both formal and informal contexts, but be mindful of your tone and body language.
Say it out loud, get corrected
Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "I don't understand" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.
Examples in Japanese
| Japanese | English |
|---|---|
| その説明がわかりません。 | I don't understand that explanation. |
| もう一度言ってもらえますか？わかりません。 | Could you say that again? I don't understand. |
The fastest way to remember it
Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear わかりません, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking Japanese with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.
Frequently asked questions
How can I ask someone to explain something again?
You can say 'もう一度説明してもらえますか？' which means 'Could you explain it again?'
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