🤝 Basics & Manners
How to say “I don't understand” in Japanese
わかりません
Wakarimasen
normal / slow
Word-by-word breakdown
- わかりませんwakarimasendo not understand
Usage & culture tip
Use honesty and a friendly hand wave when Japanese is spoken too fast.
Good for: Everyday greetings and polite manners, useful from your very first day in Japan.