During a conversation, discussion, explanation or whatever it is, you’re expected to show interest, comprehension or acknowledgment of what’s being said. One way of doing so is by saying “I understand”, but note there are many other ways to say “I understand”.
These other ways are sometimes better for the context or situation than simply saying “I understand”. In this post, we’ll share 30 of the most popular other ways to say “I understand” and how you can use them in four common scenarios.
7 ways of showing that you’re listening to and interested in what someone is talking about
When you’re listening to and interested in a conversation, your body language will usually show this. Another way to show someone that they have your full and undivided attention is by saying you understand.
Here are some other ways to say “I understand” when you’re genuinely into the conversation:
01“That’s great. I get it now.”
This is good to use when the person explains something to you that you didn’t understand before. It shows that you finally get it so you are genuinely interested.
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02“Of course.”
This is a straightforward way to show that you’re listening and showing interest. It also shows agreement with what is being said.
03“If you like it, I love it.”
Use this when the person is very excited about something, and you want to show your support. You don’t have to agree. It just shows that you’re okay with it, or will not actively oppose it.
04“That sounds amazing.”
This is a great way to say “I understand” when someone is talking about something they are interested in or something they are about to do. You can use it when a person is talking about anything good in general.
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05“You explained that pretty well.”
Say this when someone is doing a good job at outlining or detailing something that is difficult to explain. A great time to use this is after the person finishes making a presentation or speech, but you can also use it in everyday situations.
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06“You’re onto something here.”
Use this when someone is making sense to you, and you think what is being said is a great idea or concept. You can also use this when you want to encourage the person to act on or expand upon their idea or interest because it can be lucrative or rewarding.
07“I like the sound of that.”
This is best used when someone presents you with an idea or proposition that seems interesting. It says that you agree.
9 ways of showing that you understand the pain someone’s going through
It’s only when you are able to put yourself in the shoes of someone going through a difficult time that you can truly understand the pain felt. It’s very important to the affected person to feel heard and understood.
Here are 9 other ways to say “I understand” when someone is experiencing a hard time:
08“Your feelings are valid.”
This is good to say when someone is venting about something that affects them deeply. It makes them feel validated and lets them know you get it.
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09“That sounds tough.”
Use this when someone is telling you about something bad that happened or is happening. It acknowledges the severity of the situation while being sincere.
10“I’d feel the exact same way.”
It helps to know that you’re not making a big deal for no reason when you are experiencing deep emotions. When you say this, it lets the person feel valid in their feelings.
11“I’m with you 100%.”
Use this when a person is asking for help, and you want to let him/her know you have his/her back. It can also mean that you’re actively listening or following what’s being said.
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12“I get where you’re coming from.”
Use this when you want to show that you know why the person is reacting in that way, or when you have a deeper understanding of the situation (background knowledge/information).
13“Trust me, I know what you mean.”
This is something you can say when you have personal experience with the difficult situation the person is going through.
Photo by Yanosh Nemesh on shutterstock
14“I feel you.”
This is a casual way some people show understanding. It’s best used when you know the person intimately, so you can better appreciate how he/she feels, especially if you’re the one that caused the offense.
15“Oh, without a doubt.”
This is good to use when the person is seeking to have their feelings confirmed. It says that you agree.
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16“Unfortunately, I can relate.”
Say this when you have personally experienced the bad situation the person is sharing with you. A sense of community, or not feeling alone will help the person to feel better.
7 ways of showing that you understand what someone asks you to do, and you will do what you are told to do
When someone asks you to do something, you’re expected to show that you’re clear on the instructions. Usually, people say “I understand” before they proceed with the command.
Here are 7 other ways to say “I understand” when you’re asked to do something by a colleague, teacher, parent, friend, lover, etc.
17“Roger that.”
This can be used in most cases, as long as it’s an informal situation. It’s sort of like a soldier following the commands of a superior. It shows that you will follow the instructions accordingly.
Photo by cottonbro under pexels license
18“There’s no doubt. I get it now.”
Use this when you did not understand at first, but it has been explained in a better way so you’ll proceed. You can also use this to confirm that you are clear on what needs to be done.
19“I catch your drift.”
This is best used when the person implies something either through a word or action. It says that you get the message, and you’ll proceed with the request.
You may use this when the person lets you know what you have to do to achieve a certain goal or accomplish a task. It says that you are certain about what you have to do.
21“Yes, I think I follow you.”
This is good to use when you think you know what the person meant or what you should do. It may also be used when the person tells you to watch and follow what they do or say.
Photo by Alexander Suhorucov under pexels license
22“Your wish is my command.”
This is among the humorous ways to say “I understand” . Use this in a joking way to mean you will do what you are told like the person is your master. It can also be said as a sign of respect and that you’ll likely always be willing to follow through with the person’s wishes.
23“Say less.”
This is a casual way for you to show you understand what the other person is saying and you don’t need any further explanation.
7 other ways to say “I understand” when someone is talking about a topic but you disagree with their point of view
Even though you might disagree with someone on their point of view, respect is due. One way to do that is by showing that you understand what the person is talking about.
There are many other ways to say “I understand”. Here are 7 ideas you can use:
24“I see why you would feel that way.”
Use this when a person’s feelings are valid, but you’re not in support of how the person chooses to respond or react. It needs to be said in a non-judgmental way so he/she knows that you are being sincere.
25“You bring up an interesting point. I never looked at it that way before.”
This is something you can use when the person changes your mind on something specific, but they have not completely won you over with their argument. It’s good to say because it shows that you don’t disregard valid points.
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26“That’s totally fair. I don’t blame you.”
Say this when you understand why the person feels or thinks that way, but you don’t agree with it. It also says that despite not being in agreement, you aren’t judgmental about it, and you will not look at the person any differently because of it.
27“Well, different strokes for different folks.”
This comment means that you know that everyone is different, and what may not be for you may be for somebody else. Be careful with this response, however, as it can be seen as dismissive depending on the context, or if your tone is off.
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28“I can appreciate your point of view.”
This is a respectable thing you can say when you and the person agree to disagree. It also shows that while you understand, you aren’t interested in discussing it any further.
29“Fair enough.”
Say this when you think the person has a point, but you don’t share the same point of view. It says that you won’t argue with it, and you can accept the differences.
30“That makes sense from your perspective, but I don’t quite agree.”
This is something you can use when you want to acknowledge that the person is entitled to their own opinion based on their experiences, but you do not agree with that point of view.
Conclusion
There are so many ways to say the simplest of things, conversations never have to be boring or monotonous. “I understand” is a common response when showing that you are interested or engaged in the conversation.
There are many other ways to say “I understand”. We’ve provided just a few, but in time, you’ll be able to come up with some of your own.
