理解 (lǐjiě)

理解 means to understand or comprehend something at a deeper level, going beyond surface recognition to genuine comprehension.

Meanings

[verb] to understand; to comprehend; to grasp the meaning or significance of something
[noun] understanding; comprehension

Example Sentences

我完全理解你的感受。 Wǒ wánquán lǐjiě nǐ de gǎnshòu. I completely understand your feelings.

这道数学题我还没理解。 Zhè dào shùxué tí wǒ hái méi lǐjiě. I still haven't understood this math problem.

我们需要互相理解，才能更好地合作。 Wǒmen xūyào hùxiāng lǐjiě, cái néng gèng hǎo de hézuò. We need to understand each other in order to cooperate better.

他对这个概念有深刻的理解。 Tā duì zhège gàiniàn yǒu shēnkè de lǐjiě. He has a deep understanding of this concept.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
互相理解	mutual understanding
深刻理解	deep understanding
理解能力	comprehension ability
加深理解	to deepen understanding

Usage Notes

理解 implies a thorough, internalized understanding, deeper than 明白 (to understand/get it) or 懂 (to understand). It is used when you grasp not just the facts but the significance or nuance of something. In interpersonal contexts it often implies empathy and appreciation of another's perspective.

Memory Hook

理 means "to sort out/reason" and 解 means "to untie/explain": 理解 is sorting out and untying the knots, fully unlocking meaning.