Business Japanese – Difference between “かしこまる” and “承知する”
Table of Contents
1. Difference between “かしこまる” and “承知する”
2. Meanings of Each Word
3. “かしこまりました” VS “承知しました”
4. Let’s Compare
5. Summary
6. Similar Articles
7. Comment
Q: Is there a difference between “かしこまりました” and “承知しました“?
A: Both are used in business and formal settings, but there are slight differences between them.
Meanings of Each Word
Let’s first learn the meanings of each word.
[かしこまる]
① To take a respectful and humble attitude towards someone.
② To formally accept a request or instruction from a superior.
[Examples]
「そんなにかしこまらずに、楽にしてください。」（①）
“You don’t have to be so formal, just relax.”
A：「山田さん、この資料をコピーしてくれる？」
B：「はい、かしこまりました。」（②）
A: “Yamada-san, could you make a copy of this document?”
B: “Yes, certainly.”
[承知する]
① To know or understand something.
② To acknowledge and accept a request or instruction.
[Examples]
「無理を承知でお願いがあるんですが…。」（①）
“I understand it may be difficult, but I have a request…”
A：「すみません、明日5名で予約できますか？」
B：「5名様ですね。承知いたしました。」（②）
A: “Excuse me, can I make a reservation for five people tomorrow?”
B: “A reservation for five people, correct? Understood.”
「かしこまりました」 VS 「承知しました」
Depending on the situation, both expressions can often be used interchangeably without a significant difference. However, “かしこまりました” conveys a more formal impression.
“かしこまりました” expresses humility and respect toward the other party, emphasizing politeness and etiquette. On the other hand, “承知しました” conveys understanding and acceptance of a request or instruction.
[Example]
上司：「次の会議の資料をまとめておいてくれる？」
部下：「かしこまりました。」／「承知いたしました。」
Boss: “Could you prepare the materials for the next meeting?”
Subordinate: “Understood.”
While both can be used, “かしこまりました” is more appropriate for highly formal situations.
Let’s Compare
Both “かしこまりました” and “承知しました” can be used in many situations, but which sounds more natural in the following cases?
(Restaurant)
客：「ランチセットを1つお願いします。」
店員：「（かしこまりました・承知いたしました）」
(Hotel)
客：「すみませんがタクシーを呼んでいただけませんか。」
店員：「（かしこまりました・承知いたしました）」
In these cases, “かしこまりました” sounds more natural.
Since “承知しました” has a slightly more formal and rigid tone, “かしこまりました” is more suitable in hospitality settings, as it gives a softer and more polite impression to customers.
Summary
- The meaning of “かしこまる” is: ① To take a respectful and humble attitude toward someone. ② To accept a request or instruction from a superior.
- The meaning of “承知する” is: ① To know or understand something. ② To accept or acknowledge a request or instruction from someone.
- “かしこまりました” has a more formal impression than “承知しました,” conveying humility and respect toward the other person.
- “承知しました” expresses understanding and acceptance of a request or instruction.
- In customer service, “かしこまりました” is often used as it gives a softer and more polite impression to customers.
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