了解

liǎo jiě

HSK 2.0 Level 3 HSK 3.0 Level 3 Verb Very common

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Definitions

1. to understand
2. to realize
3. to find out
4. to understand; to get to know

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Word relationships

Antonyms

1 item

• 误解 wù jiě 误解 wù jiě to misunderstand When meaning 'to misunderstand'.: to misunderstand

Related words

2 items

• 熟悉 shú xī 熟悉 shú xī to be familiar with When wanting to express 'to be familiar with', a state that can result from 了解.: to be familiar with
• 打听 dǎ ting 打听 dǎ ting to ask about When meaning 'to find out' by actively inquiring.: to ask about

Synonyms

1 item

• 理解 lǐ jiě 理解 lǐ jiě to comprehend; to understand When emphasizing deep comprehension of ideas or feelings.: to comprehend; to understand

Usage notes

Common mistakes

了解 is not used for learned skills or know-how (e.g., knowing how to swim); use 会 instead.

Example Sentences

5 shown

我 了解 中国文化。

I understand Chinese culture.

他最终 了解 了事情的真相和真情。

He finally understood the truth and the real situation of the matter.

我想 了解 一下这个城市的概况。

I would like to get an overview of this city.

他从侧面 了解 了这个问题。

He looked into the problem from a different angle.

我想先 了解 一下市场行情。

I want to first understand the market situation.

AI-generated examples are marked with this icon.

Child Words of 了解

• 了 了 le: (completed action marker)
• 了 了 liǎo: (of eyes) bright
• 解 解 jiě: to divide
• 解 解 jiè: to transport under guard