Translation guide
This English phrase means to cause someone to comprehend or realize something. In Japanese, the most natural way to express this depends on whether you are explaining, persuading, or forcing understanding. Direct translations like 「理解させる」 are grammatically correct but often sound stiff or unnatural. Instead, Japanese commonly uses causative forms of verbs like 分かる (wakaru) or 知る (shiru), or phrases like 納得させる (nattoku saseru) for gaining agreement. The choice depends on the nuance: making someone intellectually understand, making them emotionally accept, or making them aware of something.
To cause someone to comprehend a fact, explanation, or concept.
Causative form of 分かる (wakaru, 'to understand'). This is the most direct and common way to say 'make someone understand' in a general sense. It implies causing intellectual comprehension.
先生は生徒に問題の解き方を分からせた。
The teacher made the students understand how to solve the problem.
This book makes children understand the fun of science.
Causative of 理解する (rikai suru, 'to understand/comprehend'). More formal and often used in written or academic contexts. Can sound stiff in casual speech.
彼は複雑な理論を学生に理解させた。
He made the students understand the complex theory.
Causative of 飲み込む (nomikomu, 'to swallow; to grasp/understand'). Implies making someone 'digest' or fully internalize information, often used when the understanding is deep or intuitive.
新入社員に仕事の流れを飲み込ませるのは大変だ。
It's tough to make new employees grasp the workflow.
To persuade someone to accept or agree with an idea, often involving emotional buy-in.
Causative of 納得する (nattoku suru, 'to consent/accept/be convinced'). This is the go-to word when you want to make someone understand in the sense of convincing them or getting them to agree. It carries a nuance of emotional or logical acceptance.
彼を納得させるには、もっとデータが必要だ。
To make him understand (and agree), we need more data.
親を納得させて留学を許してもらった。
I made my parents understand (and agree) and got permission to study abroad.
Literally 'to have someone understand (for me)'. This is a softer, more recipient-focused way to express making someone understand, often used when you want someone to see your point of view. It implies a request or effort to gain understanding.
私の気持ちを分かってもらうのに時間がかかった。
It took time to make him/her understand my feelings.
Means 'to persuade'. While not a direct translation of 'make understand', it is often used when the goal is to make someone understand and agree through reasoning or argument.
彼を説得して計画に参加させた。
I persuaded him (made him understand and agree) to join the plan.
To cause someone to become conscious of a fact, often something they were previously unaware of.
Causative of 気付く (kizuku, 'to notice/realize'). This is the standard way to say 'make someone realize/notice' something. It works for both positive and negative realizations.
彼女は私に間違いに気付かせてくれた。
She made me realize my mistake.
この経験が彼に健康の大切さを気付かせた。
This experience made him realize the importance of health.
Causative of 自覚する (jikaku suru, 'to be aware of oneself/one's situation'). Used when making someone aware of their own condition, responsibility, or role. Often carries a serious or admonishing tone.
彼に責任を自覚させる必要がある。
We need to make him aware of his responsibility.
A literary or emphatic causative of 知る (shiru, 'to know'). It means 'to make known' or 'to cause to understand' in a forceful or dramatic way. Often used in formal speeches or writing.
To cause understanding by instructing or clarifying.
Compound verb meaning 'to teach thoroughly' or 'to drill into someone'. It implies making someone understand by repeated instruction or training.
子供に安全ルールを教え込む。
To make children understand safety rules (by drilling it into them).
A combination meaning 'to explain and make understand'. This is a natural, periphrastic way to express the idea when you want to emphasize the process of explaining.
何度も説明してやっと分からせた。
I explained many times and finally made him understand.
While 理解させる is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stiff in everyday conversation. For most situations, 分からせる or 納得させる are more natural choices.
友達にルールを分からせるのに苦労した。
I struggled to make my friend understand the rules.
分からせる focuses on intellectual comprehension, while 納得させる emphasizes emotional or logical acceptance. Use 分からせる for facts and instructions; use 納得させる when you need someone to agree or be convinced.
数学の公式を分からせる。
Make someone understand a math formula.
計画の必要性を納得させる。
Make someone understand (and accept) the necessity of the plan.
なぜそれが大切なのか、彼に分からせることができなかった。
I couldn't make him understand why it was important.
彼女はついに私に自分の考えを分からせた。
She finally made me understand her point of view.
一般の人々にリスクを理解させる必要がある。
We need to make the public understand the risks.
Formal/public context, so 理解させる is appropriate.
真実を世に知らしめなければならない。
We must make the world understand the truth.