Translation guide
A phrase used to express compliance or agreement, often with a nuance of resignation or deference. In Japanese, the appropriate expression depends on the relationship, level of politeness, and the degree of willingness implied.
To indicate that you will do as the other person says, in a polite or neutral manner.
A standard, polite way to say 'I understand' or 'OK', often used to comply with a request or instruction. Suitable for most situations.
「この書類を明日までに提出してください」「わかりました」
"Please submit this document by tomorrow." "OK, I will."
A very polite, formal way to acknowledge a request, often used in customer service or towards superiors. Conveys humble compliance.
「お荷物をお持ちいたします」「かしこまりました」
"I'll carry your luggage." "Certainly, thank you."
A formal, polite way to say 'I understand and will comply'. Common in business settings.
「会議の資料を準備しておいてください」「承知しました」
"Please prepare the meeting materials." "Understood."
To indicate compliance in a casual, friendly, or informal context.
Casual form of わかりました. Used among friends, family, or close colleagues.
「ちょっと手伝ってくれる？」「わかった」
"Can you help me a bit?" "Sure."
A casual, sometimes dismissive way to say 'yeah, yeah' or 'OK, OK'. Can sound flippant if overused.
Can sound rude or impatient if used with superiors or in formal situations.
「早く片付けてよ」「はいはい、わかったよ」
"Hurry up and clean up." "Yeah, yeah, I got it."
Slang abbreviation of 了解 (りょうかい), meaning 'roger' or 'got it'. Used in very casual texting or gaming.
「明日10時に駅ね」「りょ」
"Tomorrow at 10 at the station." "K."
To convey that you will go along with what the other person says, often with a sense of giving in or reluctant agreement.
Literally 'it's already fine', used to mean 'fine, whatever' or 'have it your way'. Conveys mild frustration or resignation.
「やっぱり映画はやめよう」「もういいよ、君の好きにすれば」
"Let's skip the movie after all." "Fine, have it your way."
A blunt, masculine way to say 'do as you like' or 'whatever you say'. Can sound aggressive.
Strong and potentially rude; use only with close friends in heated situations.
「俺は反対だけどな」「好きにしろ」
"I'm against it, though." "Whatever you say."
To sarcastically agree with someone, implying that you don't actually agree or that their statement is obvious.
Literally 'most reasonable', used sarcastically to mean 'you're so right' or 'whatever you say'. Tone of voice is key.
「もっと勉強しないとダメだよ」「ごもっとも」
"You need to study more." "Yeah, whatever you say."
A very polite 'just as you say', which can be used sarcastically to feign agreement. Often with a deadpan delivery.
「私のやり方が正しいんです」「おっしゃる通りでございます」
"My way is the correct one." "Whatever you say, sir."
Directly translating 'whatever you say' as 何でも言う (なんでもいう) or similar will not convey the intended meaning of compliance or resignation. Use the phrases above depending on context.
The choice between わかりました, かしこまりました, and わかった depends on the social relationship. かしこまりました is safest in formal business or service contexts, while わかった is for close friends.