15

了解, 明白, and 知道 seem to be fairly synonymous in Mandarin, but there does seem to be some subtle differences between them.

What exactly is the difference? When should I use each one? Could you give me an example sentence to show when each of these terms would be the most appropriate?

Improve this question

3 Answers 3

Reset to default
17

知道 means you just know something, you don't need to understand it. 了解, you understand it. 明白, you understand something, and have a clear idea of what it is about.

I think the order of them is: 知道<了解<=明白

for 了解, it can also means 'to investigate'. e.g 小白, 你去了解一下这事情怎么发生的.

Improve this answer
1
  • Just an intermediate student, so I may well be wrong. But I have a feeling 明白 is not used so much in modern writing; maybe 了解 or some other alternative is used instead.
    – goPlayerJuggler
    Jul 24, 2020 at 10:13
-1

知道 = to Know, verb

了解 = to understand, verb

明白 = to be clear, adjective

Improve this answer
5
  • 2
    That doesn't seem exactly accurate, given things like the well-known song lyrics, "明明白白我的心“ and sentences like "他对这个题目的了解..." in which 了解 does not behave like a noun.
    – Terry Waltz
    Jan 25, 2012 at 20:01
  • I read "明明白白我的心“ as 我的心 is 明明白白, but you are right, 了解 can be used as a noun. good call.
    – Laguna
    Jan 25, 2012 at 20:28
  • Actually now I'm contemplating over this, I think 明白 can be used as verb too, as in 明白事理。
    – Laguna
    Jan 25, 2012 at 20:30
  • I've heard people asking, "你明白嗎？" to mean "do you understand?" in Taiwan.
    – Terry Waltz
    Jan 27, 2012 at 3:46
  • lol and +1 at 明明白白我的心 in this context, @Terry Waltz =)
    – magnetar
    Jan 29, 2012 at 19:51
-2

知道 = Know

了解 = Know clearly

明白 = Know completely

Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.