Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'figure out' when you need to solve a problem or understand something through mental effort and logic.
- Use it for mental solutions: 'I figured out the answer.' (max 20 words)
- It is separable: 'Figure it out' is correct, but 'Figure out it' is wrong.
- Focus on the process: It implies you thought hard to find the result.
Overview
figure out するということです。パズルのピースがついにカチッとはまった時の、あの「あ、そうか！」という満足感のことです。figure out は、これまで学ぶ中で最も役立つ句動詞の一つでしょう。本質的には、頭を使って問題を解決したり、状況を理解したりすることを意味します。単に事実を耳にするだけでなく、それを理解するために頭を 働かせる ことがポイントです。自分の人生の探偵になったようなつもりで考えてみてください。数学の問題を解く時も、調子の悪いアプリを直す時も、友達の様子がおかしい理由を考えている時も、あなたは物事を figure out しているのです。How This Grammar Works
figure と、コネクターパーツである out があります。この2つが合わさることで、「形を描く」といった本来の figure の意味とは全く違う、新しい意味が生まれます。figure out の特徴の一つは、分離できる（separable）ということです。これは、解決しようとしている対象を、2つの単語のちょうど真ん中に置くことができるという意味です。figure out the password と言っても、figure the password out と言っても構いません。どちらも100％正解で自然です。ただし、英語には小さな罠があります。it や them、her といった短い代名詞を使う場合は、必ず真ん中に置かなければなりません。figure it out と言う必要があります。figure out it と言うと、ネイティブスピーカーは困惑してしまいます。
Formation Pattern
figure out （習慣や一般的な事実に）
figured out （昨日解決したことに）
figuring out （今まさに解決しようとしていることに）
figure out the bill. | 勘定を計算する。 |
figured out the code. | 暗号を解いた。 |
figure it out | それを解決する／理解する |
When To Use It
figure out は最高の味方です。- テクノロジー： "I can't
figure outhow to turn off these notifications!"（この通知をオフにする方法がわからない！） - 社交面： "I'm trying to
figure outif he likes me."（彼が私のことを好きかどうか見極めようとしているの。）
Common Mistakes
- 1代名詞の罠： 決して
figure out itとは言わないでください。常にfigure it outです。 - 2
Find outとの混同： 努力せずに情報を知った場合はfind outを使います。考えて答えを出した場合はfigure outを使います。
Contrast With Similar Patterns
- Understand： 一般的な「理解する」という言葉です。
figure outは、その理解に至るまでの プロセス に焦点を当てています。 - Find out： 単純な発見に使います。
I
（図書館が閉まっていることを知った。）found outthe library is closed.
Quick FAQ
Conjugating 'Figure Out'
| Tense | Subject | Verb Form | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Present Simple
|
I / You / We / They
|
figure out
|
I figure out the puzzle.
|
|
Present Simple
|
He / She / It
|
figures out
|
She figures out the cost.
|
|
Past Simple
|
All subjects
|
figured out
|
They figured it out.
|
|
Present Continuous
|
I
|
am figuring out
|
I am figuring it out now.
|
|
Present Perfect
|
He / She
|
has figured out
|
He has figured out the way.
|
|
Future
|
All subjects
|
will figure out
|
We will figure it out later.
|
Separability Patterns
| Object Type | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Noun
|
Figure [Noun] Out
|
Figure the answer out.
|
|
Noun
|
Figure Out [Noun]
|
Figure out the answer.
|
|
Pronoun
|
Figure [Pronoun] Out
|
Figure it out. (Correct)
|
|
Pronoun
|
Figure Out [Pronoun]
|
Figure out it. (Incorrect)
|
Meanings
To reach an understanding or find a solution to a problem by thinking about it deeply or performing calculations.
Solving a puzzle/problem
To find the answer to a specific question or technical issue.
“Can you figure out this math problem?”
“We need to figure out why the car won't start.”
Understanding someone's behavior
To comprehend the reasons behind a person's actions or personality.
“I can't figure him out; he's so mysterious.”
“She's hard to figure out because she never talks about herself.”
Calculating amounts
To compute a total or a cost using mathematics.
“We need to figure out the total cost of the wedding.”
“I'm trying to figure out how much tax I owe.”
Planning a method
To decide on a course of action or a way to achieve a goal.
“Let's figure out a way to get there by 5 PM.”
“They are figuring out how to expand the business.”
Reference Table
| 構造 | 目的語の種類 | 例文 | 意味 | 補足 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
figure out + 名詞
|
名詞
|
I need to figure out the puzzle.
|
問題を解く・理解する
|
名詞は真ん中に置くことも可能です。
|
|
figure + 名詞 + out
|
名詞
|
I need to figure the puzzle out.
|
問題を解く・理解する
|
短い名詞の時によく使われます。
|
|
figure + 代名詞 + out
|
代名詞 (it, them)
|
Can you figure it out?
|
それを解く・理解する
|
代名詞は必ず真ん中に置きます。
|
|
figure out + how to
|
不定詞句
|
We figured out how to fix the Wi-Fi.
|
やり方を見つけ出す
|
スキルや手順を学ぶ時に便利です。
|
|
figure out + 疑問詞
|
疑問節
|
She figured out why it broke.
|
理由や詳細を理解する
|
what, where, when なども使えます。
|
|
figure out + 解決策
|
名詞句
|
Let's figure out a solution quickly.
|
計画や解決策を練る
|
会議などでよく使われる表現です。
|
|
figure out + 人
|
人
|
It took time to figure out my new boss.
|
人の性格や意図を理解する
|
その人が何を考えているか探る時。
|
|
figure out (自動詞的)
|
なし
|
Don't worry, I'll figure out.
|
（状況を）解決する
|
文脈で目的語が明らかな場合。
|
フォーマル度スペクトル
We must ascertain the cause of the discrepancy. (Workplace problem)
We need to figure out what went wrong. (Workplace problem)
Let's figure this out. (Workplace problem)
Gotta suss it out. (Workplace problem)
Figure Out の活用シーン
何を解決・理解するか
- a solution a way to resolve something
- how to + Verb the method for doing something
- a person their personality/motivations
どんな時に使うか
- 複雑な問題 Puzzles, math equations
- 新しい状況 Learning a new app, new job
- 隠された意味 Cryptic messages, subtle signals
'Figure Out' vs. 'Find Out'
Using 'Figure Out': 意思決定フローチャート
考えて問題を解決したり、何かを理解したりする必要がありますか？
目的語は代名詞 (it, them) ですか？
日常での 'Figure Out' 使用例
テック関連の悩み
- • Figure out a new app
- • Figure out why Wi-Fi isn't working
- • Figure out how to use a feature
対人関係・社交
- • Figure out what someone meant
- • Figure out a friend's mood
- • Figure out a group plan
学業・仕事
- • Figure out a math problem
- • Figure out a project strategy
- • Figure out a complex text
日常生活
- • Figure out how to assemble furniture
- • Figure out the best route
- • Figure out a recipe
レベル別の例文
I can figure out the answer.
I can find the answer using my brain.
Can you figure it out?
Can you solve it?
He figures out the game.
He understands how to play.
We figured out the price.
We calculated the cost.
I need to figure out the bus schedule.
I need to understand the bus times.
She couldn't figure out the instructions.
She didn't understand the manual.
Let's figure out where to eat.
Let's decide on a restaurant.
Did you figure them out?
Did you solve the problems?
I'm trying to figure out why the computer is slow.
I am investigating the cause of the slow computer.
It took me ages to figure out her true intentions.
It took a long time to understand what she really wanted.
We have to figure out a way to save money.
We must find a method for saving.
Once you figure it out, it's actually quite easy.
After you understand the process, it is simple.
Scientists are still figuring out the long-term effects.
Researchers are still analyzing the future consequences.
I've finally figured out how to balance work and life.
I have discovered the solution to my schedule issues.
He's a tough nut to crack, but I'll figure him out eventually.
He is difficult to understand, but I will succeed.
The detective figured out the motive behind the crime.
The investigator deduced the reason for the act.
It's imperative that we figure out the logistical bottlenecks.
We must identify and solve the supply chain issues.
The nuances of the treaty are difficult to figure out.
The subtle details of the agreement are hard to grasp.
I can't quite figure out what he's hinting at.
I am unable to decipher his subtext.
Having figured out the algorithm, she optimized the code.
After understanding the logic, she improved the program.
The philosopher spent his life figuring out the nature of being.
The thinker dedicated his time to understanding existence.
One might never truly figure out the labyrinthine bureaucracy of this city.
It is possible to never understand the complex systems here.
The sheer complexity of the data makes it impossible to figure out at a glance.
The data is too hard to understand immediately.
She has an uncanny ability to figure out people's weaknesses.
She is exceptionally good at identifying flaws in others.
間違えやすい
Learners use 'figure out' for any new information they get.
These are almost identical and often interchangeable.
Learners think 'solve' is always better because it's a single word.
よくある間違い
I figure out it.
I figure it out.
I figure out my keys.
I found my keys.
He figure out.
He figures out.
I figured out to the answer.
I figured out the answer.
I am figure out the problem.
I am figuring out the problem.
I figured out that he is here.
I found out that he is here.
Can you figure out me?
Can you figure me out?
I figured out how do it.
I figured out how to do it.
The answer was figured out by me.
I figured out the answer.
I figured out the solution of the problem.
I figured out the solution to the problem.
I figured out to solve the issue.
I figured out how to solve the issue.
文型パターン
I finally figured out ___.
It's hard to figure out ___.
We need to figure out a way to ___.
Have you figured out ___ yet?
Real World Usage
I can't figure out why my laptop won't connect to the printer.
I'm good at figuring out creative solutions to complex problems.
I really like her, but I can't figure her out yet.
Did you figure out the answer to question five?
We need to figure out which train goes to the airport.
Lmk when u figure it out.
「思考のプロセス」が大事
I need to figure out this puzzle.
代名詞は必ず真ん中に！
figure out it は不自然なので figure it out と言いましょう。「Why」の疑問文と相性抜群
万能なトラブルシューター
Smart Tips
Say 'I'm trying to figure this out' instead of 'I'm doing this math'. It sounds more like you are actively solving it.
Imagine the pronoun is a sandwich filling and 'figure' and 'out' are the bread. The filling must stay inside!
Use 'figure out' with 'logistics' or 'strategy'.
Use 'can't figure [person] out'. It's a very common idiomatic way to express confusion.
発音
Stress on 'Out'
In phrasal verbs like 'figure out', the stress usually falls on the particle 'out', not the verb 'figure'.
Linking
The 'r' in 'figure' often links smoothly to the 'o' in 'out', sounding like 'fig-yer-out'.
Rising on 'Out'
Did you figure it OUT? ↗
Conveys curiosity or surprise.
暗記しよう
記憶術
Think of the 'Figure' as a number and 'Out' as the result of a math problem.
視覚的連想
Imagine a detective with a magnifying glass looking at a giant number '8'. He is trying to 'figure' out the mystery of the number.
Rhyme
If a problem makes you shout, take some time to figure it out!
Story
A student was staring at a broken robot. He looked at the wires (the figures) and pulled one 'out'. Suddenly, he understood! He had figured it out.
Word Web
チャレンジ
Look at a piece of technology in your room. Try to explain in English how to 'figure out' how to change its settings.
文化メモ
'Figure out' is extremely common in the US, especially in 'can-do' culture where problem-solving is highly valued.
While 'figure out' is used, 'work out' is often a more common alternative in the UK for the same meaning.
Using 'figure out' in a meeting shows you are taking initiative. It is seen as a positive, proactive phrase.
The word 'figure' comes from the Latin 'figura' (shape/form). In the 14th century, it referred to numerical symbols.
会話のきっかけ
Have you ever had a problem with your computer that you couldn't figure out?
Who is the most difficult person you've ever had to figure out?
Can you figure out the best way to learn 50 new words a week?
If you were lost in a new city without a phone, how would you figure out where to go?
日記のテーマ
よくある間違い
Test Yourself
I need to ____ how to use this new software for my assignment.
figure out how toが最適です。
Find and fix the mistake:
Can you figure out it for me? I'm really stuck.
Choose the correct sentence:
Translate into English: '彼女は私たちが聴いた曲の意味を理解することができません。'
Answer starts with: ["S...
figure out the meaningは、歌詞や言葉の意味を解釈しようとする時によく使われる組み合わせです。
Score: /4
練習問題
8 exercisesWhich sentence is grammatically correct?
It took me an hour to figure ___ the answer.
Find and fix the mistake:
I figured out that the bus was late by asking the driver.
out / we / it / will / figure
Match the following:
No puedo entenderlo (usando 'figure out').
A: This IKEA desk is impossible to build! B: Don't worry, ___.
You can use 'figure out' for finding your lost car keys.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesI need to ____ a way to get to the airport on time for my flight.
It took them a long time to ____ the instructions for assembling the bookshelf.
He figured quickly out why his computer wasn't working.
We still haven't figured out where is the problem.
Which sentence uses 'figure out' correctly?
Choose the best option:
Translate into English: '¿Pudiste descifrar la contraseña del Wi-Fi para conectarte?'
Translate into English: 'Estoy intentando entender por qué mi planta se está muriendo.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Rearrange the words to form a question:
Match the beginning of the phrases with their correct endings:
Match the use cases with the best 'figure out' structure:
Score: /12
よくある質問 (8)
Yes, you can! With a noun like `the answer`, you can put it at the end or in the middle.
They are very similar. `Work out` is more common in British English and also means to exercise at the gym.
Yes, it is perfectly acceptable in neutral and semi-formal business contexts.
In English, separable phrasal verbs require pronouns to be placed between the verb and the particle.
No. While it can mean 'calculate', it more often means 'understand' or 'solve' non-numerical problems.
Yes, it means to understand someone's personality or why they are acting a certain way.
Yes, `solve`, `calculate`, or `comprehend` are good synonyms depending on the context.
The past tense is `figured out`. It is a regular verb.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Averiguar / Resolver
English distinguishes between the mental process (figure out) and the final result (solve).
Résoudre / Comprendre
French lacks the 'separable' grammar structure of English phrasal verbs.
Herausfinden / Ausrechnen
The logic of adding a particle to a verb is very similar to English.
Kaiketsu suru / Wakaru
Japanese verbs do not separate to place objects in the middle.
Yastantij / Yahul
Arabic uses prefixes and suffixes rather than separate particles like 'out'.
Nòng mǐngbái / Xiǎng chūlái
The Chinese 'chūlái' (come out) functions very similarly to the English 'out' in this context.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
関連動画
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