Chinese phrases
How to say I understand in Chinese
I understand in Chinese is 我明白了 (wǒ míng bai le), “I see, now I understand.” With friends, 懂了 (dǒng le), “got it,” is shorter.
我明白了
I see; I understand now
The 了 at the end shows a change: you didn’t understand before, and now you do.
Ways to say I understand
我明白了
EverydayI see; I understand now
After someone explains something. Polite with anyone.
懂了
With friendsgot it
Short and casual, with friends and family.
知道了
EverydayOK, noted
To show that you heard an instruction or a piece of news. Said fast and flat, it sounds like “yes, yes, I know.”
收到
Textinggot it; noted
Literally “received.” In work chats, the usual reply to a message from your boss or team.
我懂你的意思
EverydayI know what you mean
To show that you follow someone’s point or feeling, often before you add your own view.
原来是这样
Everydayso that’s why
When an explanation solves a puzzle for you. 原来如此 means the same and sounds a little bookish.
哦
Textingoh, I see
Common in speech and chats. In a chat, write 哦哦 or 好的: a single 哦 can read as cold.
Common mistakes
Saying 知道了 to a teacher
知道了 can sound like “I know, stop telling me,” especially to a teacher or your parents. 明白了 or 好的 sounds more open.
Using 我理解 after an explanation
我理解 is mostly about reasons and feelings: 我理解你, “I understand how you feel.” After an explanation, say 明白了 or 懂了.
Answering 你明白吗 with 是
Answer with the verb: 明白 or 明白了. 是 is not an answer here.
Why “Lao Wang”?
为什么大家都叫他老王？
Leon: Why does everyone call him Lao Wang?
他姓王，比我们大，这样叫比较亲切。
Qiqi: His surname is Wang and he’s older than us. It sounds friendly.
哦，我明白了。
Leon: Oh, I see.
