納得

• Reading: なっとく
• Romaji: nattoku
• Kanji breakdown: 納 (nou) — accept, store; 得 (toku) — gain, obtain
• Pronunciation: /nat.to.kɯ/

Meaning

Consent; understanding; being convinced. The state of genuinely accepting or comprehending something.

A noun that also functions as a suru verb (納得する). Goes beyond simple agreement — it means truly understanding and accepting the reasoning behind something. Common patterns: 納得がいく (to be satisfying/convincing), 納得できない (cannot accept/understand), 納得のいく説明 (a convincing explanation). Important in Japanese consensus-based culture.

Examples

1. 彼の説明を聞いて納得した。 After hearing his explanation, I was convinced.
2. この値段では納得できない。 I can't accept it at this price.
3. 何度聞いても納得がいかなかった。 No matter how many times I heard it, I just couldn't come to terms with it.

Usage Guide

Context: discussion, business, interpersonal

Tone: thoughtful

Origin & History

Compound of 納 (nou, to accept/store) and 得 (toku, to obtain/gain). Together, 'accepting and gaining understanding' — internalizing and being satisfied with an explanation.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal