24 Japanese Phrases to Say “I Don’t Understand

Ever found yourself in a conversation and suddenly thought, “Wait, what just happened?”

It’s totally normal, especially when learning a new language like Japanese. Sometimes, you just don’t catch what’s being said, and that’s okay. Everyone experiences moments of confusion.

Knowing how to say “I don’t understand” in different ways can really help you navigate those tricky moments with ease and even a bit of charm.

Whether you’re chatting with friends, asking for clarification in class, or trying to keep up with a fast-talking native speaker, having a variety of phrases up your sleeve is a game changer.

Plus, it shows you’re engaged and eager to learn, which always earns some respect.

Ready to dive in? Let’s explore 24 warm, friendly, and practical Japanese phrases to say “I don’t understand,” complete with pronunciation tips to get you sounding natural.

Why Variety Matters When Saying “I Don’t Understand”

Sometimes a simple “I don’t understand” just won’t cut it.

Different situations call for different levels of politeness or casualness. For example, you might want to be super polite with a teacher but more relaxed with friends.

Having options helps you fit in better and feel more confident.

Sometimes, using a great beginner phrasebook can give you a perfect starting point for a cohesive understanding.

Practicing these phrases regularly will make it easier to react naturally in conversations.

It’s all about feeling comfortable asking for help when you need it, and that’s a huge step toward fluency.

Part 1: Casual Suggestions

1. わかんない (Wakannai) — wah-kahn-nai

This is a super casual way to say “I don’t understand.”

It’s actually a shortened, slangy form of わからない (wakaranai), which means “don’t understand.” Perfect for chatting with friends or people your age.

Using this shows you’re relaxed and informal.

It’s one of the first phrases many learners pick up because it’s easy and very common.

Just be careful not to use it with strangers or in formal situations.

Feel free to add ちょっと (chotto) before it to soften it, like “ちょっとわかんない” (chotto wakannai), meaning “I don’t quite get it.”

2. わからない (Wakaranai) — wah-kah-rah-nai

This is the standard way to say “I don’t understand.”

It’s polite enough for most casual conversations and easy to remember. The verb わかる (wakaru) means “to understand,” and adding ない (nai) makes it negative.

Simple and effective.

Just remember it’s casual, so add です (desu) to make it more polite: わかりません (wakarimasen).

Example: それがわからない (Sore ga wakaranai) — “I don’t understand that.”

It’s a great staple phrase that you’ll use a lot.

3. ちょっとわからない (Chotto wakaranai) — choht-toh wah-kah-rah-nai

A gentle way to say “I don’t quite understand.”

Adding ちょっと (chotto) means “a little” or “a bit,” which softens your statement and makes it sound less harsh.

This is great when you want to be casual but not blunt.

It’s especially useful in conversations where you want to keep things light and friendly.

Try pairing it with もう一度 (mou ichido) to say “I don’t quite understand, could you say it one more time?”

This phrase helps keep the conversation flowing smoothly.

4. 意味がわからない (Imi ga wakaranai) — ee-mee gah wah-kah-rah-nai

This means “I don’t understand the meaning.”

意味 (imi) means “meaning,” so this phrase is a bit more specific.

It’s useful when you’re not sure about a word or phrase rather than the whole conversation.

Using the word 意味 can make your question sound more thoughtful and precise.

Example: この単語の意味がわからない (Kono tango no imi ga wakaranai) — “I don’t understand the meaning of this word.”

Perfect when you’re learning vocabulary or reading.

5. どういう意味？ (Dou iu imi?) — doh yoo ee-mee?

This phrase means “What does that mean?”

It’s a natural, casual way to ask for clarification without directly saying you don’t understand.

It literally breaks down to どういう (dou iu) meaning “what kind of” and 意味 (imi) meaning “meaning.”

Use it to sound curious and engaged.

Great for conversations with friends or classmates.

It can open up the conversation and invite explanation.

6. もう一度言って (Mou ichido itte) — moh ee-chee-doh eet-teh

This means “Say it one more time.”

It’s a handy phrase when you don’t understand because you missed what was said.

Simple and direct, it helps you ask for repetition politely.

Try adding ください (kudasai) at the end to be polite: もう一度言ってください (Mou ichido itte kudasai).

It’s an essential phrase for beginners to practice daily.

Using this shows you’re trying to follow along, which is always appreciated.

7. 何？ (Nani?) — nah-nee?

This is the simplest way to say “What?”

It’s very casual and sometimes a bit blunt, so use it carefully.

Great for informal situations when you really didn’t catch what was said.

It’s easy to remember and super common in everyday speech.

To sound a little softer, try 何ですか？ (Nan desu ka?) which is more polite.

Use it sparingly to avoid sounding rude.

8. 理解できない (Rikai dekinai) — ree-kai deh-kee-nai

This phrase means “I cannot understand” in a slightly more formal way.

理解 (rikai) means “understanding” and できない (dekinai) means “cannot do.”

Use it when you want to sound more serious or when speaking about difficult topics.

It’s less common in casual conversation but useful to know.

Example: この説明が理解できない (Kono setsumei ga rikai dekinai) — “I cannot understand this explanation.”

This phrase shows you’re engaged but struggling.

Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions

9. わかりません (Wakarimasen) — wah-kah-ree-mah-sen

This is the polite form of わからない and means “I don’t understand.”

Use it in formal situations, like talking to teachers, bosses, or strangers.

Adding です (desu) at the end makes it more polite: わかりませんです.

It’s a must-know for beginners aiming to sound respectful.

Example: すみません、わかりません (Sumimasen, wakarimasen) — “Sorry, I don’t understand.”

Perfect for professional or classroom settings.

10. 申し訳ありません、わかりません (Moushiwake arimasen, wakarimasen) — moh-shee-wah-keh ah-ree-mah-sen, wah-kah-ree-mah-sen

This is a very formal and humble way to say “I’m sorry, I don’t understand.”

申し訳ありません (moushiwake arimasen) means “I have no excuse” or “I’m very sorry.”

Use this in serious or highly respectful contexts.

It’s perfect for business meetings or formal presentations.

Because it’s quite humble, it shows a lot of respect.

Use it sparingly to avoid sounding overly formal in casual conversations.

11. もう一度説明していただけますか？ (Mou ichido setsumei shite itadakemasu ka?) — moh ee-chee-doh setsu-meh-ee shiteh ee-tah-dah-keh-mahss kah?

This means “Could you please explain it one more time?”

It’s a polite and respectful way to ask for repetition or clarification.

Perfect for formal or semi-formal situations.

Using いただけますか (itadakemasu ka) adds politeness.

Example: すみません、もう一度説明していただけますか？ (Sumimasen, mou ichido setsumei shite itadakemasu ka?)

It’s great for showing you’re eager to understand.

12. 理解できませんでした (Rikai dekimasen deshita) — ree-kai deh-kee-mah-sen deh-shee-tah

This means “I wasn’t able to understand.”

It’s past tense, polite, and humble.

Use this when referring to something you just heard or read.

It’s a respectful way to admit you didn’t grasp something.

Example: すみません、昨日の説明が理解できませんでした (Sumimasen, kinou no setsumei ga rikai dekimasen deshita) — “Sorry, I didn’t understand yesterday’s explanation.”

Shows accountability and respect.

13. 失礼ですが、よくわかりません (Shitsurei desu ga, yoku wakarimasen) — shee-tsu-reh-ee dess gah, yoh-koo wah-kah-ree-mah-sen

This means “Excuse me, but I don’t quite understand.”

It’s polite and humble, softening the statement with 失礼ですが (shitsurei desu ga) which means “excuse me but.”

Great for avoiding sounding rude while expressing confusion.

Use it in professional or respectful conversations.

Example: 失礼ですが、この部分がよくわかりません (Shitsurei desu ga, kono bubun ga yoku wakarimasen) — “Excuse me, but I don’t quite understand this part.”

It opens the door for further explanation politely.

14. ご説明いただけますか？ (Go setsumei itadakemasu ka?) — goh setsu-meh-ee ee-tah-dah-keh-mahss kah?

This means “Could you please explain?”

It’s a polite request that shows respect.

Very useful when you want someone to clarify without directly saying you don’t understand.

The prefix ご adds politeness to 説明 (setsumei, explanation).

Example: すみません、ご説明いただけますか？ (Sumimasen, go setsumei itadakemasu ka?)

It’s a smooth way to ask for help.

15. 申し訳ありませんが、理解できません (Moushiwake arimasen ga, rikai dekimasen) — moh-shee-wah-keh ah-ree-mah-sen gah, ree-kai deh-kee-mah-sen

This phrase means “I’m very sorry, but I can’t understand.”

It combines humility and honesty, perfect for formal apologies.

Use when you need to express sincere regret about not understanding.

It’s a respectful way to keep communication open.

Example: 申し訳ありませんが、その点が理解できません (Moushiwake arimasen ga, sono ten ga rikai dekimasen).

Shows professionalism and accountability.

16. ちょっと難しいです (Chotto muzukashii desu) — choht-toh moo-zoo-kah-shee dess

This means “It’s a little difficult.”

It’s a polite way to say you don’t understand because it’s hard.

Good for softening the impact of your confusion.

It can be a natural segue to ask for more explanation.

Example: すみません、それはちょっと難しいです (Sumimasen, sore wa chotto muzukashii desu).

Use it to express honest difficulty without sounding negative.

Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions

17. 何言ってるの？ (Nani itteru no?) — nah-nee eet-teh-roo noh?

This means “What are you saying?”

It’s casual and can be playful or confused depending on tone.

Great to use with close friends when you genuinely don’t get something.

It’s very conversational and natural.

Be mindful of tone so it doesn’t come off as rude.

Often used in humorous or lighthearted chats.

18. さっぱりわからない (Sappari wakaranai) — sahp-pah-ree wah-kah-rah-nai

This phrase means “I don’t understand at all.”

さっぱり (sappari) adds emphasis, meaning “completely” or “totally.”

It’s casual and often used to express total confusion.

Great for moments when you’re really lost.

Example: さっぱりわからないよ！ (Sappari wakaranai yo!)

It adds a native-like flair to your speech.

19. 何言ってるかわかんない (Nani itteru ka wakannai) — nah-nee eet-teh-roo kah wah-kahn-nai

This is a casual, shortened way of saying “I don’t understand what you’re saying.”

It’s great for informal conversations.

The phrase combines 何言ってるか (nani itteru ka) meaning “what you’re saying” and わかんない (wakannai) meaning “don’t understand.”

It sounds natural and conversational.

Try to use it with friends or people your age.

It’s a useful phrase for everyday chats.

20. ちょっと意味不明 (Chotto imi fumei) — choht-toh ee-mee foo-meh-ee

意味不明 (imi fumei) means “meaning unclear” or “nonsense.”

Adding ちょっと (chotto) softens it to “a bit confusing.”

This phrase is casual and a bit slangy.

Use it when something just doesn’t make sense.

Example: それはちょっと意味不明だね (Sore wa chotto imi fumei da ne).

It’s a fun way to express confusion.

21. ついていけない (Tsuite ikenai) — tsu-ee-teh ee-keh-nai

This means “I can’t keep up.”

It’s great for when the conversation or lesson is moving too fast.

ついていく (tsuite iku) means “to follow,” and いけない (ikenai) means “cannot.”

It’s casual but very expressive.

Try it when you want to say you’re falling behind.

It’s a natural expression that natives use often.

22. 何のこと？ (Nanno koto?) — nahn-noh koh-toh?

This means “What are you talking about?”

It’s casual and often used when you don’t understand the topic.

Perfect for friendly or informal conversations.

Be careful with tone since it can sound blunt.

Example: それ、何のこと？ (Sore, nanno koto?)

It’s a quick way to ask for clarification.

23. 何それ？ (Nani sore?) — nah-nee soh-reh?

This phrase means “What’s that?”

It’s super casual and perfect for expressing surprise or confusion.

Great for informal chats and quick reactions.

It can be playful or genuinely curious.

Try it when you hear something unexpected.

It’s a staple in conversational Japanese.

24. マジで？わかんない (Maji de? Wakannai) — mah-jee deh? wah-kahn-nai

This means “Seriously? I don’t get it.”

マジで (maji de) is a casual way to say “really” or “seriously.”

Combined with わかんない, it’s a very informal expression.

Use it with close friends to show surprise and confusion.

It’s a fun phrase that adds personality to your speech.

Perfect for casual conversations and texting.

Concluding Thought

Learning to say “I don’t understand” in Japanese in so many ways gives you the confidence to handle any conversation, no matter how tricky.

From casual chats with friends to formal meetings, you’re ready to express yourself clearly and politely.

Keep practicing, stay curious, and remember: every “I don’t understand” is just a step closer to fluency. You’ve got this!