Meaning
Stating that one does not understand the meaning of something.
Cultural Background
In Japan, direct disagreement is often avoided. Saying 'I don't understand the meaning' can be a way to signal disagreement without saying 'You are wrong.' The phrase 'Imi Wakannai' became a massive meme due to the character Maki Nishikino from 'Love Live!'. It is now used playfully to react to anything slightly weird. When a Japanese person says 'Imi ga wakarimasen' in a meeting, it is often a very strong signal that the proposal will be rejected. It's a 'red flag' phrase. Students are encouraged to use this phrase specifically for concepts, helping teachers distinguish between language barriers and conceptual barriers.
Tone Matters
If said with a flat, cold tone, it sounds like you are angry. Use a rising intonation at the end to sound like you are genuinely asking for help.
Add 'Chotto'
Adding '{少|すこ}し' (sukoshi) or '{ちょっと|chotto}' before the phrase makes it much softer and more natural for B1 learners.
Meaning
Stating that one does not understand the meaning of something.
Tone Matters
If said with a flat, cold tone, it sounds like you are angry. Use a rising intonation at the end to sound like you are genuinely asking for help.
Add 'Chotto'
Adding '{少|すこ}し' (sukoshi) or '{ちょっと|chotto}' before the phrase makes it much softer and more natural for B1 learners.
The 'KY' Factor
Be careful not to use this to shut down a conversation. In Japan, it's often better to nod and ask a specific question later.
Test Yourself
Choose the most appropriate response when a friend tells you a very confusing story that doesn't make sense.
友だち：昨日、猫が日本語で『こんにちは』って言ったんだ！ あなた：えっ、＿＿＿＿＿＿。
The story is logically impossible/confusing, so 'I don't understand the meaning' is the best reaction.
Fill in the missing particle.
この漢字（ ）意味がわかりません。
The verb 'wakaru' takes the particle 'ga' to mark the subject of understanding.
Match the phrase to the situation.
1. 聞き取れませんでした 2. 意味がわかりません
Use 'kikitoremasen' for physical hearing and 'imi ga wakarimasen' for lack of knowledge/logic.
Complete the formal business dialogue.
客：このプランは、なぜこんなに高いんですか？ 社員：申し訳ございません。お客様のおっしゃる＿＿＿＿＿＿。
'Wakarikanemasu' is the most formal way to express inability to understand in a business context.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises友だち：昨日、猫が日本語で『こんにちは』って言ったんだ！ あなた：えっ、＿＿＿＿＿＿。
The story is logically impossible/confusing, so 'I don't understand the meaning' is the best reaction.
この漢字（ ）意味がわかりません。
The verb 'wakaru' takes the particle 'ga' to mark the subject of understanding.
1. 聞き取れませんでした 2. 意味がわかりません
Use 'kikitoremasen' for physical hearing and 'imi ga wakarimasen' for lack of knowledge/logic.
客：このプランは、なぜこんなに高いんですか？ 社員：申し訳ございません。お客様のおっしゃる＿＿＿＿＿＿。
'Wakarikanemasu' is the most formal way to express inability to understand in a business context.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's perfectly fine as long as you add 'sumimasen' (excuse me) at the beginning. It helps the teacher know they need to explain differently.
'Wakarimasen' is general (I don't know/understand). 'Imi ga wakarimasen' specifically targets the logic or definition of the thing.
Grammatically, 'ga' is the standard. Using 'o' is considered a mistake by most native speakers, though it's occasionally heard in very casual, non-standard speech.
Add 'zenzen' or 'mattaku' at the start: 'Zenzen imi ga wakarimasen.'
It's used by everyone, but the character Maki Nishikino made it feel slightly more associated with 'tsundere' or 'cool' female archetypes in pop culture.
This phrase covers that perfectly. 'Imi' can mean 'meaning', 'point', or 'intent'.
Yes. 'Kare no imi ga wakarimasen' means 'I don't understand him (his actions/logic).'
In slang, 'Imi-fu' (short for Imi Fumei) is very common.
Use 'Rikai itashikane-masu' (I humbly find it difficult to comprehend).
No, it specifically refers to comprehension. However, saying it dismissively can imply you don't care to understand.
Related Phrases
{意味|いみ}がない
similarPointless / Meaningless
どういうことですか
similarWhat does that mean? / What's the deal?
{理解|りかい}できません
specialized formI cannot comprehend.
{意味|いみ}を{取|と}り{違|ちが}える
builds onTo misunderstand the meaning.
