Understand

Question 1

了解
Liàojiê

Answer 1

Fully understand
For concept, subject or person
Ie. “Got it.”

Question 2

懂
Dông

Answer 2

For understanding of language
Often paired with 听 or 看
Eg. 听得懂 I understand what I hear
Eg. 看不懂 I don’t understand what I see

Question 3

明白
Míngbái

Answer 3

For understanding of language / spoken or written words
Eg. 我明白
Eg. 我不明白

Question 4

理解
Lîjiê

Answer 4

Understand / empathise with a situation, for example