We understand your concern
Formal business communication expression
Use this to show you are listening when a professional contact is upset or worried.
في 15 ثانية
- A professional way to acknowledge someone's worry or complaint.
- Shows empathy without necessarily admitting fault or making promises.
- Best used in business emails and formal customer service interactions.
المعنى
A polite way to acknowledge someone's worries or complaints in a professional setting. It shows you are listening without necessarily agreeing to their demands.
أمثلة رئيسية
3 من 6Responding to a customer complaint
We understand your concern regarding the late delivery of your package.
We understand your concern regarding the late delivery of your package.
In a high-stakes board meeting
We understand your concern about the budget, but the investment is necessary.
We understand your concern about the budget, but the investment is necessary.
Texting a friend (sarcastic)
I understand your concern that I might eat all the cookies, but it's unlikely.
I understand your concern that I might eat all the cookies, but it's unlikely.
خلفية ثقافية
This phrase is a cornerstone of 'corporate empathy' in English-speaking countries. It allows businesses to validate a customer's feelings without making a legal admission of guilt or error. It became a standard part of customer service training in the late 20th century to help de-escalate conflicts.
The 'But' Trap
If you follow this phrase with `but`, it can cancel out the empathy. Try using `and` or starting a new sentence to keep it sounding sincere.
Avoid Overuse
If you say this three times in one email, you'll sound like a chatbot. Use it once at the beginning to set the tone.
في 15 ثانية
- A professional way to acknowledge someone's worry or complaint.
- Shows empathy without necessarily admitting fault or making promises.
- Best used in business emails and formal customer service interactions.
What It Means
Imagine you are at a fancy restaurant. You tell the waiter your soup is cold. If he says We understand your concern, he is telling you he hears you. He is not saying he will give you free soup yet. He is simply acknowledging your feelings. It is a way to show empathy without admitting a mistake. It is like a professional handshake for your emotions. You are saying, "I see that you are worried."
How To Use It
You usually put this phrase at the start of a conversation. It works best in emails or formal meetings. Use it as a 'buffer' before giving more information. For example, if a client is mad about a delay, start with this. It makes the rest of your message easier to hear. You can use I if you are speaking for yourself. Use We if you represent a whole company. It sounds very polished and calm. It keeps the temperature of the room low.
When To Use It
This is your go-to phrase for customer service. Use it when someone is complaining about a product. It is also great for corporate emails. If your boss is worried about a deadline, use it. It shows you are listening and taking them seriously. You can also use it in a polite debate. It shows you respect the other person's point of view. It is perfect for staying professional while someone else is emotional.
When NOT To Use It
Never use this with your best friend. If they tell you their cat died, do not say this. It will make you sound like a robot. It is way too cold for close relationships. Also, avoid it if the situation is very casual. If a friend is annoyed you are late, this phrase is too much. It might even sound sarcastic or rude. If you use it too often, you will sound like a computer. Use it once, then move on to the solution.
Cultural Background
In Western business culture, 'active listening' is a big deal. Companies want to feel human, even when they are huge. This phrase became popular because it sounds empathetic but safe. It avoids legal trouble because you aren't always admitting fault. It is a staple of 'corporate-speak' in the US and UK. It reflects a culture that values politeness and de-escalation. It is the language of the professional world where emotions are managed carefully.
Common Variations
You might hear I understand your frustration if things are really bad. We hear your concerns is a bit more modern. I appreciate your concern is used when someone is worried about you. We take your concerns seriously is the 'heavy duty' version. It is often used in official press releases. All of these aim to make the listener feel heard. Choose the one that fits the level of 'trouble' you are in.
ملاحظات الاستخدام
This phrase is strictly formal to neutral. It is the gold standard for customer service and corporate emails, but should be avoided in intimate or very casual settings to avoid sounding cold.
The 'But' Trap
If you follow this phrase with `but`, it can cancel out the empathy. Try using `and` or starting a new sentence to keep it sounding sincere.
Avoid Overuse
If you say this three times in one email, you'll sound like a chatbot. Use it once at the beginning to set the tone.
The Non-Apology
In English business culture, this is often used as a 'non-apology.' It lets you be nice without saying 'I am sorry,' which can be important for legal reasons.
أمثلة
6We understand your concern regarding the late delivery of your package.
We understand your concern regarding the late delivery of your package.
A classic way to start a customer service email.
We understand your concern about the budget, but the investment is necessary.
We understand your concern about the budget, but the investment is necessary.
Used to acknowledge a point before disagreeing with it.
I understand your concern that I might eat all the cookies, but it's unlikely.
I understand your concern that I might eat all the cookies, but it's unlikely.
Using formal language in a casual setting creates a humorous effect.
We understand your concern about the side effects of this medication.
We understand your concern about the side effects of this medication.
Shows professional empathy in a medical context.
We understand your concern about the noise and will keep it down.
We understand your concern about the noise and will keep it down.
Polite way to address a specific complaint from an authority figure.
We understand your concern about the security glitch and are fixing it now.
We understand your concern about the security glitch and are fixing it now.
Validates the user's worry while providing a solution.
اختبر نفسك
Choose the best word to complete the professional response.
We understand your ___ regarding the new office policy.
`Concern` is the standard formal noun used in this specific phrase.
Which pronoun makes this sound like you are speaking for a company?
___ understand your concern and will look into the matter immediately.
Using `We` represents the collective voice of a business or team.
🎉 النتيجة: /2
وسائل تعلم بصرية
Formality Level of 'We understand your concern'
Talking to a sibling about chores.
I get why you're mad.
Talking to a neighbor about a fence.
I see what you mean.
Business email to a client.
We understand your concern.
Official legal correspondence.
The firm acknowledges your stated grievances.
Where to use 'We understand your concern'
Customer Support
Handling a refund request.
Project Management
Addressing a missed deadline.
Healthcare
Talking to a worried family member.
Public Relations
Responding to a news story.
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةNot necessarily. It acknowledges the other person's feelings, but it doesn't admit you did anything wrong. It's a safe way to be polite.
You can, but it will sound very stiff and formal. It might even make them think you are being sarcastic or 'acting like a boss.'
Use I if you are the only person involved. Use We if you are speaking for a company or a team to sound more official.
Concern focuses on the person's feelings and worry. Problem focuses on the technical issue. Concern is usually more polite.
No, concern implies something is wrong or worrying. For happy things, use We share your excitement instead.
Yes, it is very common in both American and British business English. It is a global standard for professional communication.
Yes, usually. Acknowledging the concern is the first step, but people usually want to know what you will do next.
It can if you don't customize the rest of your message. Try to mention the specific issue so they know you aren't just copying and pasting.
You can add an adverb, like We sincerely understand your concern or We completely understand your concern.
Yes, it's a great way to 'disarm' an opponent. It shows you are listening, which often makes the other person calm down.
عبارات ذات صلة
I appreciate your feedback
A polite way to say thank you for a comment or criticism.
I hear what you're saying
A more neutral, slightly less formal way to acknowledge a point.
We take this matter seriously
A very formal way to show that a problem is a high priority.
I understand where you're coming from
A more casual, empathetic way to show you see someone's perspective.
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