What is different between 分かります and　分かりました。


What is different between 分かります and 分かりました。




A very good question.

Despite how it might look on the surface, this is definitely **_not_** a
question about tense.

We use the two phrases differently depending on the situations -- more
specifically, on the content of the discourse. In other words, it depends on
what the **_other_** person has just said to you.

> You use 「わかりました」 when you understand the explanation or instruction that the
> other person has just given to you. **_It is an expression of comprehension
> of and obedience to what has been explained to you._** You just learned
> something **_now_**.

Guy: "To get to the XXX Park, you go ~~~~~."

You: 「わかりました。ありがとうございます。」 You will never say 「わかります」 here.

> 「わかります」 is quite different in that it is used to say "Yes, I know." or "I
> know what you mean." **_It is an expression of knowledge and sometimes,
> sympathy._**

Guy: 「『懐疑的』の意味はわかりますか。」"Do you know what 懐疑的 means?"

You: 「はい、わかります。」

or --

Woman: "My husband just sits in the couch and watches TV ~~~~~. He never helps
me with ~~~~."

You:「わかります。My husband is the same way.」

