承知

• Reading: しょうち
• Romaji: shouchi
• Kanji breakdown: 承 (shō) — accept, receive, inherit; 知 (chi) — know, wisdom
• Pronunciation: /ɕo.ɯ.tɕi/

Meaning

Knowledge; awareness; understanding. Acknowledgement that one has understood and accepted something.

Used as a noun or する verb (承知する). In business Japanese, 承知しました is a very polite way to say 'understood' or 'certainly', more formal than わかりました. Also appears in the set phrase 百も承知 (already well aware). Primarily heard in professional and service contexts.

Examples

1. 承知しました。すぐに対応いたします。 Understood. I will take care of it right away.
2. そのことは承知しています。 I am aware of that matter.
3. お客様のご要望は承知いたしました。 We have noted your request.

Usage Guide

Context: workplace, customer service, formal conversation

Tone: polite

Origin & History

Compound of 承 (shō, accept/inherit) and 知 (chi, know). Together they mean to accept and know — acknowledging understanding with a sense of compliance.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Professional