Meaning
A very polite way to say 'I understand' or 'Certainly'.
Cultural Background
The phrase is a key part of 'Keigo' (honorific language). Using it correctly shows you understand your place in the social hierarchy. In offices, 'Shouchi-itashimashita' is often preferred over 'Kashikomarimashita' because it sounds more efficient and less like a servant. Characters like Sebastian from 'Black Butler' use this phrase to emphasize their role as a perfect, humble servant. In Kyoto, politeness can sometimes be used to create distance. A very formal 'Kashikomarimashita' might be used to politely end a conversation with someone being difficult.
The Bow Combo
Always pair this phrase with a slight bow (15-30 degrees) to complete the professional image.
Don't Overuse
If you say it every 5 seconds, it loses its meaning and sounds robotic. Mix it with 'Hai' or 'Shouchiいたしました'.
Meaning
A very polite way to say 'I understand' or 'Certainly'.
The Bow Combo
Always pair this phrase with a slight bow (15-30 degrees) to complete the professional image.
Don't Overuse
If you say it every 5 seconds, it loses its meaning and sounds robotic. Mix it with 'Hai' or 'Shouchiいたしました'.
Gender Neutral
This phrase is perfectly gender-neutral and used by everyone in professional roles.
Writing it
It is almost always written in Hiragana (かしこまりました) rather than Kanji (畏まりました) in modern business.
Test Yourself
Match the phrase to the correct person.
Who is most likely to say 'かしこまりました'?
It is a very formal service phrase used by staff to customers.
Complete the dialogue.
客：お会計をお願いします。 店員：＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿。
In a shop (店員), 'かしこまりました' is the most appropriate and professional response.
Which of these is the most formal?
Choose the most formal way to say 'I understand'.
'かしこまりました' is the highest level of formality among these options.
Choose the best response for a business email to a client.
Client: Please send the contract by Friday. You: ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿。金曜日までに送付いたします。
When dealing with a client, the humble 'かしこまりました' or '承知いたしました' is required.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Levels
Practice Bank
4 exercisesWho is most likely to say 'かしこまりました'?
It is a very formal service phrase used by staff to customers.
客：お会計をお願いします。 店員：＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿。
In a shop (店員), 'かしこまりました' is the most appropriate and professional response.
Choose the most formal way to say 'I understand'.
'かしこまりました' is the highest level of formality among these options.
Client: Please send the contract by Friday. You: ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿。金曜日までに送付いたします。
When dealing with a client, the humble 'かしこまりました' or '承知いたしました' is required.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's perfect for part-time jobs in cafes or shops. It makes you look like a great employee!
You can, but 'Wakarimashita' is usually enough. 'Kashikomarimashita' might sound like you're treating the teacher like a customer.
'Shouchi' is more common in office emails; 'Kashikomarimashita' is more common in face-to-face service.
No, that is not a real phrase. You must use the full '-mashita' form.
Because you are saying 'I have (already) received your command.'
Yes, if you are texting a client or a boss you aren't close with.
No, but it is often used after an apology to show you will fix the mistake.
The casual version is just 'Wakata' or 'Ryo,' but they lose all the 'humble' nuance.
Yes, hundreds of times a day in every city in Japan!
Absolutely. Using it correctly will impress Japanese people and show you respect the culture.
Related Phrases
承知いたしました
similarI have understood (humble)
了解いたしました
similarRoger (formal)
承りました
specialized formI have humbly received (your order/request)
わかりました
synonymI understood
仰せの通りに
specialized formAs you command
