Japanese word

悟る

Pronunciation

Romajisatoru

Meaning

  • verbrealize

Example

彼はやっと自分の間違いを悟りました。kare wa ya tto ji bun no ma chiga i o sato ri ma shi ta

He finally realized his mistake.

Illustration for 悟る (realize)

More examples

少年は失敗を重ねて、自分に必要なことを悟りました。shō nen wa ship pai o kasa ne te ji bun ni hitsu yō na ko to o sato ri ma shi ta

After repeated failures, the boy realized what he needed.

Core concept

Describes reaching a clear understanding of a fact, meaning, or personal mistake, often after reflection.

Common phrases

  • 過ちを悟るayama chi o sato ru

    realize one's error

  • 真相を悟るshin sō o sato ru

    discern the truth

  • 本質を悟るhon shitsu o sato ru

    discern the essence

Similar words

気づくkizuku: To become aware of a fact or problem, often suddenly or through observation.
理解するrikaisuru: To understand the meaning or nature of something clearly.

Definition in Japanese

物事の意味や自分の誤りなどを深く理解する。mono goto no i mi ya ji bun no ayama ri na do o fuka ku ri kai su ru

Word origin

悟る (satoru, "to understand deeply") is a native Japanese verb whose exact origin is uncertain; the kanji 悟 (go, "awakening and understanding") represents its established written meaning.

Usage tips

  • 悟る (satoru) can sound more serious or literary than 気づく (kizuku) when a conversation concerns a truth, a life lesson, or one's own mistake.

Other meanings

  • discernverb
  • senseverb

Related words

  • 悟りsatorienlightenmentnoun

Word lists with this word