[JLPT grammar] Which Particle Should You Use with わかる: が or を?

Today I am going to share the homework correction quoted from my JLPT course!
The student’s sentence is not correct. Can you find the mistake?

 

[Student’s sentence]

この漢字をわかりません。

*このかんじをわかりません。

 



 

[My correction]

この漢字をわかりません。
→この漢字わかりません。
I do not know this kanji.

わかる is an intransitive verb, so you should use the particle が.
In rare cases, the particle を is used when わかる is taken to mean “to understand,” but this is inherently wrong.
Whenever you use わかる to mean “I know,” use が.

e.g.
パスワードわかりません。
I don’t know the password.

駅(えき)までの道(みち)わかりますか。
Do you know the way to the station?

どの人(ひと)田中(たなか)さんかわかりません。
I do not know which one is Tanaka-san.

 

I hope my explanation helps you. 😊

 

The above correction is just a taste of what my JLPT all-in-one course has to offer (today’s is from the N5).

Our course provides detailed Japanese grammar explanations and personalized feedback on your homework submissions to help you master the language. With homework assignments included in each lesson, you’ll have ample opportunities to practice and improve your skills. Enroll now to receive easy-to-understand support and start your journey towards fluency.

 

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