Translation guide
To understand, solve, or discover something through thinking, calculation, or investigation.
To find a solution to a problem, puzzle, or question through reasoning or calculation.
Used for solving problems, puzzles, math questions, or unraveling mysteries.
It took me an hour to figure out this problem.
To resolve a problem or issue, often used for more complex or abstract problems.
その問題を解決する方法を考えている。
I'm thinking of a way to figure out that problem.
To figure out by calculation or deduction, often used for numbers, dates, or logical conclusions.
データから傾向を割り出した。
We figured out the trend from the data.
To come to understand something, often after some thought or observation.
The most common way to say you understand or have figured something out. Often used in the past tense 分かった (I got it).
やっと仕組みが分かった。
I finally figured out how it works.
彼が何を言いたいのか分からない。
I can't figure out what he wants to say.
To comprehend or grasp the meaning, slightly more formal than 分かる.
彼の理論を理解するのに時間がかかった。
It took time to figure out his theory.
To have a rough idea or guess; to figure out approximately.
原因はだいたい見当がついている。
I've pretty much figured out the cause.
To learn or uncover information, often through investigation or effort.
To track down, ascertain, or determine something after investigation.
警察は犯人の居場所を突き止めた。
The police figured out the culprit's whereabouts.
To elucidate or clarify a mystery or unknown phenomenon.
科学者たちはその現象を解明しようとしている。
Scientists are trying to figure out that phenomenon.
To find out through investigation or research; to get the information needed.
彼の経歴についてはすぐに調べがついた。
We quickly figured out his background.
To determine a numerical result or logical outcome through calculation.
To calculate or compute; the standard word for figuring out numbers.
合計金額を計算してください。
Please figure out the total amount.
To compute or calculate, often used in formal or technical contexts.
必要経費を算出する。
Figure out the necessary expenses.
To calculate or work out a figure, often with a nuance of deriving it from data.
To determine a course of action or make a decision after consideration.
To decide or determine; often used when figuring out what to do.
今後の方針を決めなければならない。
We need to figure out our future policy.
To figure out a prospect or timeline; to get a rough plan.
完成の目処を立ててください。
Please figure out when it will be completed.
There is no single Japanese verb that covers all uses of 'figure out'. Choose the option that best matches the specific meaning: solving, understanding, discovering, calculating, or deciding.
分かる is the most versatile and common way to express that you have figured something out. Use 分かった for 'I got it' or 'I figured it out' in everyday conversation.
電卓で答えをはじき出した。
I figured out the answer with a calculator.