Japanese word

納得

Pronunciation

Romajinattoku

Meaning

  • noununderstanding

Example

説明を聞いて納得しました。setsu mei o ki i te nat toku shi ma shi ta

I was convinced after hearing the explanation.

Illustration for 納得 (understanding)

More examples

条件を一つ変えてくれれば、私は納得できます。jō ken o hito tsu ka e te ku re re ba watashi wa nat toku de ki ma su

If you change one condition, I can accept it.

Core concept

It marks the point at which a person accepts an explanation or situation as reasonable and no longer feels unconvinced.

Common phrases

  • 納得するnat toku su ru

    be convinced

  • 納得がいくnat toku ga i ku

    make sense

Similar words

理解rikai: An accurate grasp of what something means or involves.
了解ryōkai: Awareness of information or a situation, with acceptance of what has been communicated.

Definition in Japanese

説明や事情を十分に理解し、道理にかなうとして受け入れること。setsu mei ya ji jō o jū bun ni ri kai shi dō ri ni ka na u to shi te u ke i re ru ko to

Word origin

The compound 納得 (nattoku) combines 納 (nō, "accept or put in") and 得 (toku, "obtain"), expressing the idea of accepting something as understood.

Usage tips

  • In conversation, 納得しました (nattoku shimashita) can mean "That makes sense" or "I'm convinced," rather than merely "I understand."

Other meanings

  • acceptancenoun
  • agreementnoun

Word lists with this word