了解
Traditional: 瞭解
liǎo jiě HSK 3

English Meaning

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📚 Example Sentences

我了解他。
Wǒ liǎojiě tā.
I understand him.
她了解中国。
Tā liǎojiě Zhōngguó.
She understands China.
我了解这个问题。
Wǒ liǎojiě zhège wèntí.
I understand this problem.
我了解你。
Wǒ liǎojiě nǐ.
I understand you.
他了解情况。
Tā liǎojiě qíngkuàng.
He understands the situation.

💡 Memory Tip

Break it down: 了 (liǎo) can mean 'to finish' and 解 (jiě) means 'to untie'. Think of it as 'finishing untying' a knot—solving it completely to gain full understanding.

📝 Usage Notes

It is a common, neutral verb used in both formal and informal contexts, in spoken and written Chinese. It is often used when discussing understanding people, situations, facts, or information deeply.

📖 Grammar Points

It is a transitive verb (e.g., 了解 + object). It can be modified by degree adverbs like 很, 非常, 完全. It can also be used in the potential form: 了解得了/不了 (liǎojiě déliǎo/bùliǎo) meaning 'able/unable to understand'.

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese communication, saying 我很了解你 can imply a close relationship, as it suggests deep familiarity. It's often used to build rapport or show empathy.

🔄 Similar Words

Compared to 知道 (zhīdào), which means 'to know' a fact or piece of information, 了解 implies a deeper, more comprehensive understanding. Compared to 理解 (lǐjiě), which emphasizes 'to comprehend' reasoning or meaning, 了解 focuses more on knowing details and circumstances.

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