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How to Say ‘I do not understand’ in Japanese

分かりません

わかりません

💬 Usage Tip: Pronounced as [わかりません] (wa-ka-ri-ma-sen).

🇯🇵 In Japan: A polite way to express that something isn't clear to you.

Word-by-Word Breakdown

分かりわかり

[wakari]

to understand

To perceive the intended meaning.

Example

数学が分かります。

I understand math.

ませませ

[mase]

negative form

Negative form of a verb, indicating 'do not'.

Example

宿題をしません。

I do not do homework.

[n]

negative sentence ending

Indicates a negative statement in a sentence.

Example

出かけません。

I am not going out.

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