Business Japanese – How to Express “分かる・分からない”
Table of Contents
1. How to Express “分かる・分からない”
2. Reasons to Avoid Using “分かる” and “分からない” Directly
3. Conveying Understanding and Asking Questions
4. When Understanding Is Difficult or Responses Are Challenging
5. Summary
6. Similar Articles
7. Comment
Q: Is it rude to ask a superior, “分かりますか“?
A: “分かる” and “分からない” are expressions that indicate ability or understanding, but they can be too direct.
Reasons to Avoid Using “分かる” and “分からない” Directly
“分かる” and “分からない” are expressions that indicate a person’s ability or level of understanding. However, using them as they are can sometimes come across as too direct.
In particular, in business settings or when speaking to superiors, asking whether someone “understands” can imply doubt about their ability. This may be perceived as rude. Therefore, it is important to use more careful and refined phrasing.
Additionally, simply saying “分かりません” when expressing a lack of understanding can sometimes sound cold or give the impression of avoiding responsibility. Therefore, it is important to choose polite language and communicate with consideration for the other person.
Using appropriate honorific expressions not only facilitates smooth communication but also demonstrates respect and a professional attitude toward the other person.
Expressions for Conveying Understanding and Asking Questions
① When Asked About Your Understanding
Simply responding with “分かります” is not necessarily a problem, but since it is quite direct, it may sometimes feel more natural to move straight to the main point instead.
[Examples]
上司：「ここの英語の文の意味、分かる？」
△ 部下：「はい。分かります。」
Supervisor: “Do you understand the meaning of this English sentence?”
△ Subordinate: “Yes, I understand.”
上司：「ここの英語の文の意味、分かる？」
◯ 部下：「はい。「これは急ぎでお願いします」という意味ですね。」
Supervisor: “Do you understand the meaning of this English sentence?”
◯ Subordinate: “Yes, it means ‘This is urgent, please take care of it.'”
② Confirming the Other Person’s Understanding
Expressions such as “お分かりになりますか”, “お分かりいただけましたか”, and “ご理解いただけましたか” are appropriate in this context.
[Examples]
ここまでの説明でお分かりいただけましたでしょうか。
Have you understood the explanation so far?
契約内容について、ご理解いただけましたか。
Have you understood the details of the contract?
*However, be mindful that asking about intellectual abilities when speaking to a superior may be considered rude.
Expressions for When Understanding Is Difficult or Responses Are Challenging
① When Expressing “I don’t understand”
Using “分かりかねます” makes the expression more polite and refined.
[Examples]
上司：「ここの英語の文の意味、分かる？」
部下：「申し訳ございませんが、わたくしでは分かりかねます。」
Supervisor: “Do you understand the meaning of this English sentence?”
Subordinate: “I apologize, but I am unable to determine the meaning.”
恐れ入りますが、おっしゃっている意図が分かりかねます。もう一度ご説明いただけますでしょうか。
I’m sorry, but I am unable to grasp your intention. Could you kindly explain it once more?
② When an Immediate Response Is Not Possible
Using “お答えしかねます” or “返答いたしかねます” gives a softer impression.
[Examples]
取引先：「Aの商品を100個、注文できますか？」
スタッフ：「恐れ入ります。ただいま担当者が不在のため、すぐにお答えしかねます。お調べしてすぐにお電話差し上げます。」
Client: “Can I place an order for 100 units of Product A?”
Staff: “I apologize, but as the person in charge is currently unavailable, I am unable to provide an immediate answer. I will look into it and get back to you as soon as possible.”
お客様のご質問に関しましては、詳細を確認しないと返答いたしかねます。
Regarding your question, I am unable to determine the details without further verification.
How to Use “〜かねる”
“〜かねる” has the same meaning as “〜できない”, but it is a more polite and softer expression. Rather than simply saying “できません”, it conveys nuances such as “I would like to, but the situation makes it difficult” or “I have made efforts, but I am unable to accommodate the request.” This phrasing shows consideration for the other person.
In any case, it is important to be mindful not to make the other person feel uncomfortable. When asking questions, using cushioning expressions can help show consideration in communication.
For more on cushioning expressions, please read the following article:
Summary
- “分かる” and “分からない” are expressions that indicate a person’s ability or understanding, but if they are too direct, they may come across as overly blunt.
- It is important to use more polite and considerate expressions depending on the situation.
- Using “～かねる” allows one to convey an inability to do something in a softer manner..
- When asking a question, expressions such as “お分かりいただけますでしょうか” or “ご理解いただけますか” can be used. However, it is essential to consider the other person’s feelings and speak with care.
