The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language.
The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
理解, 懂, 明白, 领会, 察觉
Understand meanings in Chinese
理解
Example:
I understand your concerns.
我理解你的担忧。
Do you understand the instructions?
你明白这些指示吗？
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used in both casual and professional settings when discussing comprehension of ideas or information.
Note: This is the most common meaning, applicable in a wide range of situations.
懂
Example:
I don't understand what you mean.
我不懂你的意思。
She understands the problem well.
她懂这个问题。
Usage: informalContext: Commonly used in everyday conversation, especially in casual speech.
Note: This term is more colloquial and often used in spoken Chinese.
明白
Example:
Do you understand now?
你明白了吗？
I finally understand how it works.
我终于明白它是怎么工作的。
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used when someone has gained clarity or insight about a subject.
Note: This term emphasizes clarity and is often used when explaining concepts.
领会
Example:
I hope you can understand the deeper meaning.
我希望你能领会更深层的意义。
It's important to understand the context.
理解上下文很重要。
Usage: formalContext: Used in academic or literary discussions where deeper comprehension is emphasized.
Note: This term is less common in everyday conversation and is often found in written texts.
察觉
Example:
He understands the situation well.
他察觉到这个情况很清楚。
She understands people's feelings.
她察觉到人们的感受。
Usage: informalContext: Used when referring to the perception or awareness of subtleties.
Note: This meaning focuses on emotional or situational awareness rather than intellectual understanding.
Understand's synonyms
comprehend
To grasp the meaning or significance of something.
Example: She struggled to comprehend the complex instructions.
Note: Comprehend is often used for deeper understanding or grasping complex ideas.
grasp
To understand something completely or thoroughly.
Example: It took him a while to grasp the concept of quantum physics.
Note: Grasp can imply a more thorough or complete understanding.
get
To come to understand or realize something.
Example: I finally got what she was trying to say.
Note: Get is a more colloquial and informal way of expressing understanding.
perceive
To become aware of, know, or identify by means of the senses.
Example: He perceived the underlying message in her words.
Note: Perceive often involves sensing or becoming aware of something rather than just understanding it intellectually.
Understand expressions, common phrases
Get the hang of
To become familiar or skilled in something; to understand or master something.
Example: It took me a while, but I finally got the hang of using the new software.
Note: This phrase emphasizes gaining proficiency or skill in understanding something.
Wrap one's head around
To understand something that is complex or difficult to grasp.
Example: I can't wrap my head around the concept of time travel.
Note: This phrase highlights the challenge of comprehending a difficult or abstract concept.
Click with
To be easily understood or accepted by someone.
Example: The new teaching method really clicked with the students.
Note: This phrase suggests a positive reception or quick understanding of something.
Make sense of
To understand or interpret something logically; to find meaning in something.
Example: After reading the instructions a few times, I was able to make sense of them.
Note: This phrase focuses on interpreting information or situations in a coherent and logical way.
Grasp the concept
To understand the fundamental idea or meaning of something.
Example: It took me a while, but I finally grasped the concept of quantum physics.
Note: This phrase specifically refers to understanding the core idea or principle behind a concept.
Catch on
To begin to understand or realize something after a period of confusion.
Example: She was a bit confused at first, but eventually, she caught on to the new rules.
Note: This phrase indicates a gradual understanding or realization after initial confusion or uncertainty.
See eye to eye
To agree with someone; to have the same opinion or understanding.
Example: We don't always see eye to eye on every issue, but we respect each other's opinions.
Note: This phrase refers to having a shared perspective or agreement on a particular matter.
Understand everyday (slang) expressions
Get it
To understand or comprehend something.
Example: I finally get it! Thanks for explaining it to me.
Note: Similar to 'understand', but more casual and conversational.
Pick up
To grasp or comprehend something.
Example: It took me a while, but I finally picked up what he was saying.
Note: Implies gradually understanding something, similar to learning.
Cotton on to
To finally understand or become aware of something after it was not immediately clear.
Example: I've finally cottoned on to what she's been hinting at all this time.
Note: Suggests a sudden realization or understanding after a period of confusion or uncertainty.
Get the picture
To finally grasp the full understanding of something, especially after multiple explanations or instances.
Example: I explained it three times already. Do you finally get the picture?
Note: Conveys a sense of clarity or completion in understanding a situation or concept.
Catch the drift
To understand the hidden or implied meaning behind something.
Example: He was dropping hints all night, and I finally caught the drift.
Note: Focuses on understanding subtle or indirect messages rather than explicit information.
Tune in
To become aware of or understand something, especially after initially not paying attention or being confused.
Example: It took a while, but I eventually tuned in to what she was trying to say.
Note: Similar to picking up or grasping something, but also implies paying attention and focusing on understanding.
Nailed it
To perfectly understand or accomplish something.
Example: After studying all night, I finally nailed the concept for the exam.
Note: Indicates not just understanding, but mastering or excelling at a particular concept or task.
Understand - Examples
I understand your point of view.
我理解你的观点。
She can't understand why he left.
她无法理解他为什么离开。
He is a very understanding person.
Understand grammar
Understand - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form(Verb, base form)
Lemma: understand
Conjugations
Verb, past tense(Verb, past tense): understood
Verb, past participle(Verb, past participle): understood
Verb, gerund or present participle(Verb, gerund or present participle): understanding
Verb, 3rd person singular present(Verb, 3rd person singular present): understands
Verb, base form(Verb, base form): understand
Verb, non-3rd person singular present(Verb, non-3rd person singular present): understand
Syllables, Separation and Stress
understand Contains 3 syllables: un • der • stand
Phonetic transcription: ˌən-dər-ˈstand
understand , ˌəndərˈstand(The red syllable is stressed)
Understand - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
understand: 400 - 500 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
