expression, noun-modifying (irregular)
fair-minded; sensible; understanding
Describes a person who is reasonable, perceptive, and able to see things from others' perspectives. Often used prenominally to modify a person.
彼は物のわかった上司だ。
He is a fair-minded boss.
物のわかった人なら、きっと事情を察してくれる。
A sensible person would surely understand the situation.
Similar in meaning 'sensible' or 'discerning', but 物のわかった emphasizes empathy and understanding of human nature, while 分別のある focuses more on practical wisdom and good judgment.
From 物 (things, matters) + の (possessive particle) + わかった (past form of わかる, to understand). Literally 'having understood things', it came to mean a person who is worldly-wise and understanding.