納得

なっとく

consent, assent, understanding

JLPT N3

Character Breakdown

Understanding and Acceptance

納得 (なっとく) is commonly used to express understanding, acceptance, or agreement with an explanation, idea, or situation. It often implies that after some consideration or explanation, the person has come to a reasonable conclusion or consent.

Usage in Conversation

You will often hear 納得 used when someone explains something complicated or when there is a need to confirm that the other person agrees or understands. It can be used both in formal and informal contexts but tends to be polite and thoughtful.

Common Collocations

  • 納得がいく: to be convinced or satisfied
  • 納得できない: cannot accept or understand
  • 納得のいく説明: a satisfactory explanation

Nuance and Tips

When you use 納得, you imply that the acceptance or understanding is based on reasoning or evidence, not just blind agreement. A common learner mistake is to confuse 納得 with simple agreement (同意). 納得 carries a nuance of mental acceptance after reflection.

Use 納得 when you want to express that you have fully understood and accepted something, especially after some explanation or thought.

Example Sentences

かれのせつめいをきいて、ようやくなっとくがいった。

After listening to his explanation, I finally understood and accepted it.

なっとくできないりゆうがあるなら、はっきりいってください。

If you have a reason you can't accept, please say it clearly.

かれはなっとくのいくせつめいをもとめている。

He is seeking an explanation that he can accept.