Signification
A polite way to say you are unaware of something.
Contexte culturel
In Kolkata, using this phrase marks you as 'Sanskriti-mon' (culturally minded). It is often paired with a slight tilt of the head to show humility. In Dhaka's corporate and government culture, this phrase is the gold standard for avoiding direct conflict. It is considered much more 'shalin' (decent) than 'jani na'. The 'Bhadralok' (gentlefolk) class historically used refined language to distinguish themselves. This phrase is a remnant of that linguistic elegance. In Bengali universities, a student would almost never say 'Jani na' to a professor; it would be seen as a lack of effort or respect.
The 'Thik' Softener
Add 'thik' before 'jana' (আমার ঠিক জানা নেই) to sound even more natural. It means 'I don't know exactly,' which sounds very humble.
Avoid 'Ami'
Never say 'Ami jana nei'. It is a major grammatical red flag for native speakers.
Signification
A polite way to say you are unaware of something.
The 'Thik' Softener
Add 'thik' before 'jana' (আমার ঠিক জানা নেই) to sound even more natural. It means 'I don't know exactly,' which sounds very humble.
Avoid 'Ami'
Never say 'Ami jana nei'. It is a major grammatical red flag for native speakers.
Body Language
When saying this to an elder, a small polite smile or a nod makes the phrase much more effective.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct pronoun form to make the sentence polite.
এই বিষয়টি ______ জানা নেই। (I don't know this matter.)
In this construction, the subject must be in the genitive case (আমার).
Which of the following is the most polite way to tell your boss you don't know the answer?
Boss: 'মিটিংয়ের সময়টা কি জানো?'
'সেটা আমার জানা নেই' is the most formal and respectful option.
Complete the dialogue between a tourist and a local.
Tourist: 'এই বাসটি কি এয়ারপোর্ট যাবে?' Local: 'দুঃখিত, ______। আপনি কি ওই ট্রাফিক পুলিশকে জিজ্ঞেস করবেন?'
The local is politely admitting they don't know and suggesting another source of information.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Phrase: 'সেটা আমার ঠিক জানা নেই।'
This phrase is ideal for formal settings like job interviews.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Jani Na vs. Jana Nei
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesএই বিষয়টি ______ জানা নেই। (I don't know this matter.)
In this construction, the subject must be in the genitive case (আমার).
Boss: 'মিটিংয়ের সময়টা কি জানো?'
'সেটা আমার জানা নেই' is the most formal and respectful option.
Tourist: 'এই বাসটি কি এয়ারপোর্ট যাবে?' Local: 'দুঃখিত, ______। আপনি কি ওই ট্রাফিক পুলিশকে জিজ্ঞেস করবেন?'
The local is politely admitting they don't know and suggesting another source of information.
Phrase: 'সেটা আমার ঠিক জানা নেই।'
This phrase is ideal for formal settings like job interviews.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it's actually quite common and polite. It shows you are a respectful customer.
No, for people use 'উনাকে আমি চিনি না' (Unake ami chini na).
'Na' is a general 'no/not', while 'nei' specifically means 'does not exist' or 'is not present'.
Yes, 'nai' is a common dialectal variation of 'nei', especially in Bangladesh.
Use 'Sheta amar jana chilo na' (সেটা আমার জানা ছিল না).
It might sound a bit formal, like you're being a bit 'extra'. Stick to 'jani na' with close friends.
Not at all. In fact, it sounds more honest and considered than a quick 'jani na'.
Yes, it is perfect for professional emails.
Say 'Sheta amar jana ache' (সেটা আমার জানা আছে).
Yes, many Rabindra Sangeet and modern songs use 'jana nei' to express mystery or longing.
Expressions liées
জানি না
synonymI don't know
অবগত নই
specialized formNot informed/aware
বলতে পারছি না
similarI can't say
জানা আছে
contrastIt is known (to me)
অজানা
builds onUnknown
