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知ります

A2 verb #1,000 가장 일반적인 8분 분량

知ります

To know.

shirimasu 상위 1,000

At the A1 level, learners are introduced to 'shirimasu' primarily in its negative form, 'shirimasen,' which means 'I don't know.' This is a vital survival phrase. Students learn to use it when they cannot answer a question or don't recognize a word. The focus is on simple subject-object-verb patterns. At this stage, learners often confuse 'shirimasu' with 'wakaru,' so teachers emphasize that 'shirimasen' is for facts (like a name or a place) while 'wakarimasen' is for understanding (like a language or a complex explanation). The goal is to build the confidence to admit a lack of information politely. Learners also start to see the kanji 知 (knowledge/to know), which combines the elements for 'arrow' and 'mouth,' suggesting knowledge is something spoken as swiftly and accurately as an arrow hits its mark.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the A2 level, the distinction between 'shirimasu' (the action of finding out) and 'shitte-imasu' (the state of knowing) becomes the central focus. This is a major milestone in Japanese grammar. Learners are taught that 'shirimasu' is rarely used in the present tense to mean 'I know.' Instead, they practice using 'shitte-imasu' for current knowledge and 'shirimashita' for information they just acquired. They also begin to use the verb in more complex sentences, such as using the dictionary form 'shiru' to modify nouns (e.g., 'the person who knows'). Exercises at this level involve choosing between 'shirimasen' and 'wakarimasen' in various contexts, such as knowing a person's address versus understanding a set of directions. The vocabulary expands to include related words like 'shiriau' (to get to know someone).

By the B1 level, learners are expected to use 'shirimasu' and its forms with greater nuance and accuracy. They move beyond simple facts and start discussing more abstract knowledge. This level introduces the concept of 'register' more formally, showing how 'shiru' changes in polite versus casual speech. Students learn to use 'shitte-iru' in relative clauses more fluently. They also encounter 'shiru' in idiomatic expressions and common phrases like 'shiru kagiri' (as far as I know). The focus shifts to the social implications of knowledge—how to politely inform someone of something they might not know or how to acknowledge information without sounding arrogant. B1 learners also start to recognize 'shiru' in written texts, news reports, and literature, where the dictionary form is more prevalent.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the B2 level, the focus shifts to honorific and humble Japanese (Keigo). Learners must master 'go-zonji desu' (honorific) and 'zonjite orimasu' (humble). They practice switching between these forms depending on the social hierarchy. This is crucial for professional environments. B2 students also explore the more literary and formal uses of 'shiru,' such as 'shirashimeru' (to make known) or 'shiru yoshi mo nai' (to have no way of knowing). They analyze how 'shiru' is used in different genres, from academic writing to emotional dialogue in films. The distinction between 'shiru' and other verbs of cognition like 'ninshiki suru' (to recognize/realize) or 'haiku suru' (to grasp/understand) is explored in detail to refine the student's expressive capabilities.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

C1 learners delve into the deep etymological and philosophical aspects of 'shiru.' They study how the concept of 'knowing' has evolved in Japanese literature and philosophy. This includes exploring archaic forms and classical Japanese (Bungo) where 'shiru' might have had slightly different connotations or grammatical behaviors. They examine the use of 'shiru' in legal and technical documents, where precision is paramount. At this level, students are expected to use the most appropriate synonym for 'know' in any given context, whether it's 'shouchi,' 'ryoukai,' 'haiku,' or 'nen-tou.' They also look at how 'shiru' interacts with cultural concepts like 'enryo' (restraint) and 'ishin-denshin' (telepathy/heart-to-heart communication), where knowing without speaking is valued.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the C2 level, mastery of 'shiru' is absolute. The learner can use the verb and all its derivatives with the same nuance as a highly educated native speaker. This includes using rare and sophisticated idioms, understanding the subtle emotional weight 'shiru' carries in poetry, and being able to debate the nature of knowledge itself using the verb. C2 learners can identify the regional or historical nuances of 'shiru' in various dialects or period pieces. They can write complex academic papers or creative literature where 'shiru' is used to create specific atmospheric effects. The focus is on perfect integration of the word into a vast, interconnected web of Japanese cultural and linguistic knowledge, allowing for effortless and sophisticated communication.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

知ります 30초 만에

Shirimasu means 'to find out' or 'to come to know' a fact.
Use 'shitte-imasu' to say 'I know' in the present state.
The negative 'shirimasen' is the standard way to say 'I don't know.'
It is a Group 1 verb, despite ending in '-iru' (shiru).

The Japanese verb 知ります (shirimasu) is a fundamental word that every learner encounters early in their journey, yet it carries a nuance that often trips up English speakers. While it is commonly translated as "to know," its usage in Japanese is more dynamic and specific than its English counterpart. In Japanese, shirimasu primarily refers to the moment of acquisition—the act of finding out, learning of, or coming to know a piece of information. This is a crucial distinction because Japanese differentiates between the action of getting information and the state of possessing it.

The Ingressive Aspect: In linguistics, this is known as an ingressive verb. It describes the entry into a state. Therefore, when you say "shirimasu," you are often saying "I will find out" or "I will come to know." If you want to say "I already know," you must use the continuous form, 知っています (shitte-imasu). This distinction is the most common source of error for beginners who translate directly from English.

明日、その結果を知ります。
(Ashita, sono kekka o shirimasu.)
I will find out the results tomorrow.

You will hear this word in various social contexts. It is used when discussing news, learning about events, or becoming acquainted with people. However, when meeting someone for the first time, Japanese speakers use different verbs like aimasu (to meet) or shiriau (to get to know each other). Shirimasu is more focused on information and facts rather than personal relationships or deep understanding.

Politeness and Register: The form "shirimasu" is the teinei-go (polite) form. It is appropriate for talking to teachers, colleagues, or strangers. In casual settings, the dictionary form 知る (shiru) is used. In very formal situations, such as business or when speaking to someone of high status, you would use honorific versions like ご存じです (go-zonji desu) for the other person or humble versions like 存じております (zonjite orimasu) for yourself.

誰もその理由を知りません。
(Dare mo sono riyuu o shirimasen.)
Nobody knows the reason (Nobody has found out/possesses that info).

In summary, shirimasu is a gateway verb. It marks the transition from ignorance to knowledge. Understanding this temporal aspect is the key to mastering its use in daily Japanese conversation. Whether you are watching the news, reading a book, or listening to a friend's story, you are constantly in the process of shiru—coming to know the world around you.

Using 知ります (shirimasu) correctly requires an understanding of Japanese particles and verb conjugations. The most common particle used with this verb is を (o), which marks the object of your knowledge—the thing you are finding out about. However, in certain negative or potential contexts, other particles like は (wa) or が (ga) might appear.

Basic Structure: [Person] は [Information] を知ります。
Example: 私は真実を知ります (Watashi wa shinjitsu o shirimasu) - I will learn the truth.

新しいニュースを知りました。
(Atarashii nyuusu o shirimashita.)
I found out/learned the new news.

The past tense, 知りました (shirimashita), is extremely common. It is used to indicate that you have recently come into possession of information. If someone tells you something you didn't know, you might respond with "Shirimashita" (I have learned that) or more commonly "Shitte-imasu" if you already knew it. Wait, that's confusing! Let's clarify: if you want to say "I see" or "I've learned it now," you usually say Wakarimashita. Shirimashita sounds more like "I have come to know the fact."

Negative Forms: The negative polite form is 知りません (shirimasen). This is the standard way to say "I don't know." Unlike the positive form, "shirimasen" can describe both the state of not knowing and the act of not finding out. It is the direct answer to "Do you know...?" questions.

彼の電話番号を知りません。
(Kare no denwa bangou o shirimasen.)
I do not know his phone number.

When using shirimasu in complex sentences, it often acts as a subordinate clause. For example, "The person who knows the truth" would be shinjitsu o shiru hito. In these cases, the dictionary form shiru is used to modify the noun hito. This demonstrates the versatility of the verb beyond simple subject-object-verb structures.

In daily life in Japan, you will encounter 知ります (shirimasu) and its variants in a multitude of settings, from the mundane to the professional. It is a staple of the information-sharing culture. You'll hear it on the morning news, in classroom lectures, during office meetings, and in casual gossip among friends.

In Media and News: News anchors often use the verb when reporting on how the public learned about an event. Phrases like "Sekai ga shiru koto ni natta" (The world came to know) are common. It frames the information as a discovery or a revelation, adding a sense of weight to the news being delivered.

世界がそのニュースを知りました。
(Sekai ga sono nyuusu o shirimashita.)
The world found out about that news.

In educational settings, teachers use shiru to encourage students to explore and discover. A teacher might say, "Let's learn about Japanese history today," using a form of shiru to imply the process of gaining knowledge. It's less about memorization and more about the experience of encountering new facts.

In Entertainment: Anime and Drama are full of dramatic revelations. You'll often hear a character cry out, "Shiranakatta!" (I didn't know!) when a secret is revealed. The verb is central to plot twists and character development, as characters transition from ignorance to understanding, often with emotional consequences.

真実を知るのが怖いです。
(Shinjitsu o shiru no ga kowai desu.)
I am afraid of knowing (finding out) the truth.

Finally, in the digital age, shiru is used frequently in the context of the internet. "Searching to find out" (shiraberu) is a related verb, but the end result of that search is shiru. Social media platforms are often described as places where people "shiru" what their friends are doing or what is trending globally.

The most frequent mistakes with 知ります (shirimasu) stem from the difference between Japanese and English conceptualizations of "knowing." English uses one word for both the state and the action, while Japanese is very strict about this distinction. Avoiding these pitfalls will make your Japanese sound much more natural.

Mistake 1: Shirimasu vs. Shitte-imasu: As mentioned, "shirimasu" means "will find out." If someone asks "Do you know my name?" and you answer "Shirimasu," you are saying "I will find out your name (later)." To say "I know it now," you must say 知っています (shitte-imasu). This is the single most common error for English speakers.

❌ 私は彼を知ります。
✅ 私は彼を知っています。
(I know him.)

Another common confusion is between shiru and wakaru. While both can be translated as "to know" or "to understand," they are not interchangeable. Shiru is about possessing information or facts. Wakaru is about comprehension, logic, or the ability to make sense of something. You shiru a person's phone number, but you wakaru a difficult math problem.

Mistake 2: Negative Forms: Interestingly, while the positive "know" must be shitte-imasu, the negative "don't know" is usually just shirimasen. Learners often try to say "shitte-imasen," which is grammatically possible but rarely used in standard Japanese to mean "I don't know." It sounds like "I am not in the state of knowing," which is redundant. Just stick to 知りません.

❌ 知っていません。
✅ 知りません。
(I don't know.)

Finally, be careful with the particle ni. While you might want to say "I know to him," Japanese uses o (object) or wa (topic). Using the wrong particle can change the meaning or make the sentence unintelligible. Always pair shiru with the information you are targeting using o.

Japanese has a rich vocabulary for the concept of knowledge, and 知ります (shirimasu) is just the tip of the iceberg. Depending on the level of formality, the type of knowledge, and the relationship between speakers, you might choose a different word to express "knowing."

分かる (Wakaru) vs. 知る (Shiru): As discussed, wakaru is about understanding. If you "know" Japanese, you use wakaru because it's a skill and a system of logic. If you "know" that Tokyo is the capital of Japan, you use shiru because it's a fact. Wakaru often uses the particle ga, while shiru uses o.

英語が分かります。
(I understand/know English.)

In formal Japanese (Keigo), shiru is replaced by more respectful or humble terms. This is essential for business etiquette. Using shirimasu with a CEO might come across as too casual or even slightly rude.

Formal Alternatives

ご存じです (Gozonji desu): Honorific. Use this when asking if a superior knows something. "Do you know...?" becomes "Gozonji desu ka?"
存じております (Zonjite orimasu): Humble. Use this to tell a superior that you know something. "I know that" becomes "Sore wa zonjite orimasu."
承知しております (Shouchi shite orimasu): Formal/Business. Used to indicate that you have understood and acknowledged a request or information.

部長、その件は存じております。
(Manager, I am aware of/know that matter.)

Lastly, consider oboeru (to remember/memorize). While English might say "I know these kanji," Japanese often uses oboete-imasu (I have memorized/remember them) to emphasize the effort of learning. Choosing the right alternative depends on whether you are emphasizing the fact, the understanding, the social status, or the memory.

How Formal Is It?

격식체

"その件については、すでに承知しております。"

중립

"彼の連絡先を知っていますか？"

비격식체

"それ、知ってる！"

Child friendly

"これ、なーんだ？知ってるかな？"

속어

"そんなの、知らんし。"

재미있는 사실

The kanji 知 consists of 矢 (arrow) and 口 (mouth). One theory is that it represents words that are as precise and fast as an arrow, hitting the mark of truth.

발음 가이드

UK ɕi.ɾi.ma.su

US ʃi.ɾi.mɑ.su

Japanese is pitch-accented. In 'shirimasu', the pitch usually starts low on 'shi' and rises on 'ri', then stays level.

라임이 맞는 단어

Arimasu (exists) Ikimasu (goes) Kimasu (comes) Tabemasu (eats) Nomimasu (drinks) Yomimasu (reads) Kakimasu (writes) Mimasu (sees)

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing 'ri' like an English 'L' or 'R'.
Over-emphasizing the final 'u' in 'su'.
Stressing one syllable too heavily like English word stress.

난이도

독해 2/5

The kanji 知 is simple and common, but the conjugation rules for 'shiru' (Group 1) can be tricky.

쓰기 2/5

Writing 知 is straightforward. Remembering to use 'te-imasu' for the state is the main challenge.

말하기 3/5

Distinguishing between 'shirimasu' and 'wakaru' in real-time conversation takes practice.

듣기 2/5

Easily recognized in speech due to its frequent use in polite and negative forms.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

私 (Watashi) 名前 (Namae) 何 (Nani) はい (Hai) いいえ (Iie)

다음에 배울 것

分かる (Wakaru) 覚える (Oboeru) 教える (Oshieru) 調べる (Shiraberu) 考える (Kangaeru)

고급

存じる (Zonjiru) 把握する (Haaku suru) 認識する (Ninshiki suru) 承知する (Shouchi suru) 了解する (Ryoukai suru)

알아야 할 문법

Te-iru form for states

知っています (I know/I am in the state of knowing).

Group 1 (Godan) conjugation

知る -> 知ります (Not shimasu).

Nominalizing with 'koto' or 'no'

知ることは大切です (Knowing is important).

Relative clauses

私が知る人 (The person I know).

Negative 'mo' pattern

何も知りません (I don't know anything).

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

수준별 예문

私は彼の名前を知りません。

I do not know his name.

Uses the negative polite form 'shirimasen' for a fact.

そのニュースを知りますか？

Will you find out that news?

In the future tense, it implies the act of finding out.

先生、知りません。

Teacher, I don't know.

A common classroom phrase.

どこでそれを知りましたか？

Where did you find that out?

Past tense 'shirimashita' for acquisition.

だれも知りません。

Nobody knows.

'Dare mo' + negative verb means 'nobody'.

日本を知ります。

I will learn about Japan.

Implies the process of learning.

答えを知りません。

I don't know the answer.

Direct object 'kotae' (answer).

いつ知りましたか？

When did you find out?

Asking about the time of acquisition.

田中さんを知っていますか？

Do you know Mr. Tanaka?

Uses 'shitte-imasu' for the state of knowing a person.

昨日、その秘密を知りました。

Yesterday, I found out that secret.

Past tense for a specific moment of discovery.

いいレストランを知っています。

I know a good restaurant.

State of possessing information.

この漢字の読み方を知りません。

I don't know how to read this kanji.

Negative form for a specific piece of data.

テレビでその事件を知りました。

I learned about that incident on TV.

The particle 'de' indicates the means.

誰も私の本当の気持ちを知りません。

No one knows my true feelings.

Abstract object 'kimochi' (feelings).

明日になれば、すべてを知ります。

By tomorrow, I will know everything.

Future tense indicating coming to know.

彼女が結婚したことを知っていますか？

Do you know that she got married?

Using 'koto' to nominalize a clause.

私の知る限り、彼は正直な人です。

As far as I know, he is an honest person.

'Shiru kagiri' is a common B1 phrase.

真実を知ることは、時に苦しい。

Knowing the truth is sometimes painful.

Using 'shiru koto' as a subject.

新しい文化を知るのが好きです。

I like learning about new cultures.

Nominalizing with 'no'.

彼は何でも知っているような顔をしています。

He looks like he knows everything.

Using 'shitte-iru' with 'youna' (like).

その話を知った時、とても驚きました。

When I found out about that story, I was very surprised.

Using 'toki' (when) with the past tense.

誰もが知る有名な作家です。

He is a famous author that everyone knows.

Relative clause modifying 'sakka'.

それを知って、どう思いましたか？

Having found that out, what did you think?

Te-form indicating sequence.

世の中には知らないことがたくさんあります。

There are many things in the world that we don't know.

Negative relative clause.

社長、そのニュースはすでにご存じですか？

President, do you already know that news?

Honorific 'go-zonji'.

はい、その件については存じております。

Yes, I am aware of that matter.

Humble 'zonjite orimasu'.

彼が犯人であることを、警察はすでに知っていました。

The police already knew that he was the culprit.

Past continuous 'shitte-imashita'.

この事実を知らしめる必要があります。

It is necessary to make this fact known.

Causative form 'shirashimeru'.

そんなことは、知る由もありませんでした。

I had no way of knowing such a thing.

Idiomatic 'shiru yoshi mo nai'.

世界を知るために、留学を決めました。

In order to know the world, I decided to study abroad.

Purpose clause 'tame ni'.

彼は自分の限界を知っている。

He knows his own limits.

Abstract concept 'genkai' (limits).

それを知った上での行動です。

This action was taken based on knowing that.

'Shitta ue de' (after/based on).

万物の理を知ることは、哲学の究極の目的である。

To know the principles of all things is the ultimate goal of philosophy.

Academic and philosophical usage.

彼は、己の無知を知る者こそが賢者であると説いた。

He preached that the one who knows their own ignorance is the wise one.

Literary and philosophical context.

その古文書の存在を知る者は、今や一人もいない。

There is now not a single person who knows of the existence of that ancient document.

Formal relative clause.

運命を知る術は、人間には与えられていない。

The means to know one's fate is not given to humans.

Poetic and abstract usage.

その真相は、歴史の闇に葬られ、知ることは叶わない。

The truth is buried in the darkness of history, and it is impossible to know.

High-level literary style.

彼は、衆人の知るところとなるのを避けた。

He avoided becoming known to the public.

Formal phrase 'shiru tokoro to naru'.

事の顛末を知るにつれ、彼の表情は曇っていった。

As he came to know the details of the incident, his expression darkened.

'Shiru ni tsure' (as one comes to know).

未知の領域を知る喜びは、何物にも代えがたい。

The joy of knowing the unknown is irreplaceable.

Sophisticated emotional expression.

古人曰く、敵を知り己を知れば百戦危うからず。

The ancients said, if you know your enemy and know yourself, you will not be imperiled in a hundred battles.

Classical quote from Sun Tzu.

その深淵を知る者は、沈黙を守るほかない。

He who knows the abyss has no choice but to remain silent.

Metaphorical and profound usage.

言わずもがな、彼はその道のすべてを知り尽くしている。

Needless to say, he knows everything there is to know about that field.

Compound verb 'shiri-tsukusu'.

知ると知らざるとに関わらず、法はすべての人に適用される。

Regardless of whether one knows it or not, the law applies to everyone.

Formal 'shiru to shirazaru to ni kakawarazu'.

彼の名は、あまねく世界に知れ渡っている。

His name is known throughout the entire world.

Intransitive 'shire-wataru'.

その一事を知るだけで、彼の本性が透けて見える。

Just by knowing that one thing, his true nature becomes transparent.

Analytical and critical usage.

無知の知こそが、真の探究の始まりである。

The knowledge of one's ignorance is the beginning of true inquiry.

Philosophical 'muchi no chi'.

天知る、地知る、我知る、子知る。

Heaven knows, Earth knows, I know, and you know (A secret is never truly secret).

Classical four-character idiom context.

자주 쓰는 조합

名前を知る

ニュースを知る

真実を知る

答えを知る

場所を知る

理由を知る

秘密を知る

世界を知る

自分を知る

方法を知る

자주 쓰는 구문

知りません

知っています

知りませんでした

知りたいです

ご存じですか？

顔見知り

知る人ぞ知る

知らんぷり

知り合い

知る限り

자주 혼동되는 단어

知ります vs 分かる (Wakaru)

Wakaru is for understanding/logic; Shiru is for facts/information.

知ります vs 覚える (Oboeru)

Oboeru is the process of memorizing; Shiru is the state of having the info.

知ります vs 知らす (Shirasu)

Shirasu is to inform others; Shiru is to know yourself.

관용어 및 표현

"知らぬが仏"

Ignorance is bliss. Literally, 'not knowing is Buddha.'

知らぬが仏ということもある。

Common/Proverb

"身の程を知る"

To know one's place or limitations.

身の程を知るべきだ。

Formal/Strict

"恩を知る"

To be grateful; to recognize a debt of gratitude.

恩を知る人になりなさい。

Moral

"恥を知る"

To have a sense of shame; to know what is disgraceful.

恥を知れ！

Strong/Emotive

"知恵を絞る"

To rack one's brains; to squeeze out wisdom.

みんなで知恵を絞った。

Neutral

"鼻を明かす"

To outwit someone (related to knowing/surprising).

あいつの鼻を明かしてやる。

Idiomatic

"一を聞いて十を知る"

To be very sharp; to hear one thing and understand ten.

彼は一を聞いて十を知る秀才だ。

Complimentary

"井の中の蛙大海を知らず"

A frog in a well knows nothing of the great ocean.

井の中の蛙にならないようにしよう。

Proverb

"知らぬ顔をする"

To act as if one knows nothing; to look innocent.

彼は知らぬ顔で通り過ぎた。

Neutral

"知る由もない"

To have no way of knowing; to be completely unaware.

結末など知る由もなかった。

Literary

혼동하기 쉬운

知ります vs 分かる (Wakaru)

Both translate to 'to know' in English.

Wakaru is an intransitive verb often used with 'ga' for skills and logic. Shiru is transitive with 'o' for data and facts.

数学が分かる (I understand math) vs. 彼の住所を知る (I know his address).

知ります vs 覚える (Oboeru)

Both relate to having information in the mind.

Oboeru focuses on the effort of memory or the act of remembering. Shiru is just the possession of the fact.

漢字を覚える (Memorize kanji) vs. 漢字を知っている (Know of the kanji).

知ります vs 知り合う (Shiriau)

Both involve 'knowing' people.

Shiriau is the process of becoming acquaintances. Shiru is just knowing who someone is.

パーティーで知り合った (Met/got to know at a party).

知ります vs 存じる (Zonjiru)

It is the formal version of Shiru.

Zonjiru is only used in Keigo (humble/honorific). Using it in casual speech is incorrect.

存じております (I know - Humble).

知ります vs 見当がつく (Kentou ga tsuku)

Both relate to 'knowing' or 'having an idea.'

Kentou ga tsuku means to have a guess or a rough idea, whereas Shiru is certain knowledge.

犯人の見当がつかない (I have no idea who the culprit is).

문장 패턴

[Object] を知りません。

名前を知りません。

[Object] を知っていますか？

彼を知っていますか？

[Object] を知りました。

ニュースを知りました。

[Verb Phrase] ことを知っています。

彼が来ることを知っています。

[Person] の知る限り...

私の知る限り...

[Object] をご存じですか？

その件をご存じですか？

[Object] を存じております。

お名前は存じております。

知る由もない。

真実など知る由もない。

어휘 가족

명사

동사

형용사

사용법

frequency

Extremely High. It is one of the top 500 most used verbs in Japanese.

자주 하는 실수

Using 'shirimasu' to mean 'I know' right now. → 知っています (shitte-imasu)
'Shirimasu' is the action of finding out. 'Shitte-imasu' is the state of knowing.
Saying 'shitte-imasen' for 'I don't know.' → 知りません (shirimasen)
While 'shitte-imasu' is used for the positive, the negative is almost always the simple 'shirimasen.'
Using 'shiru' for understanding a language. → 分かる (wakaru)
Languages are skills/systems of logic, so 'wakaru' is appropriate. 'Shiru' would mean you know 'of' the language.
Using 'shirimasu' with the particle 'ga'. → 〜を知っています (o shitte-imasu)
'Shiru' is a transitive verb and takes the object particle 'o.' 'Wakaru' takes 'ga.'
Using 'shirimasu' in a very formal business meeting. → 存じております (zonjite orimasu)
'Shirimasu' is polite but not humble enough for high-level business interactions.

팁

The 'Te-iru' Rule

Always remember: Shirimasu = will find out. Shitte-imasu = know. This is the most important rule for this verb. If you get this right, you are ahead of most beginners.

Shiru vs. Wakaru

Think of 'shiru' as a database entry (fact) and 'wakaru' as a processor (understanding). You 'shiru' the data, you 'wakaru' the logic.

Acquaintances

To say 'I know him' (we are acquainted), use 'shiriai desu' or 'shitte-imasu.' 'Shirimasu' sounds like you are stalking him or planning to find out his identity.

Keigo Usage

In business, use 'go-zonji' for others and 'zonjiru' for yourself. It makes a huge difference in how professional you sound.

Catch the 'n'

In casual speech, 'shiranai' often becomes 'shiran.' If you hear 'shiran,' it just means 'I don't know' or 'I don't care.'

Kanji Clarity

The kanji 知 is used in many words like 'chishiki' (knowledge). Learning it early helps you unlock a whole family of related words.

Discovery

Use 'shirimashita' to show you are paying attention. When someone gives you info, 'shirimashita' sounds like 'Ah, I have received that info.'

Arrow Mouth

Remember the arrow (矢) and the mouth (口). Knowledge is like an arrow hitting your mouth—fast and direct!

Particle Choice

Always use 'o' for the thing you know with 'shiru.' Using 'ga' is for 'wakaru.' This is a key marker for listeners.

Ignorance is Buddha

Learn 'Shiranu ga Hotoke.' It's a great way to sound more native when discussing why someone shouldn't know a painful truth.

암기하기

기억법

Imagine an ARROW (矢) flying into your MOUTH (口). Suddenly, you KNOW the truth! It hit you like a bolt of knowledge.

시각적 연상

Visualize a lightbulb appearing above your head the moment you 'shirimasu' (find out) a secret.

Word Web

Knowledge Information Discovery Acquaintance Wisdom Notice Awareness Fact

챌린지

Try to use 'shirimasen' three times today when you genuinely don't know something, and 'shitte-imasu' when you do.

어원

The verb 'shiru' comes from Old Japanese. It is believed to be related to the word 'shiru' meaning 'to rule' or 'to manage' (as in 'shiru' a territory), suggesting that to know something was to have control or authority over it.

원래 의미: To govern, to rule, or to possess. Over time, it shifted to the cognitive possession of information.

Japonic

문화적 맥락

Be careful using 'shirimasen' bluntly in business; it can sound dismissive. Use 'shouchi shite orimasen' or 'zonji-agemasen' for better etiquette.

English speakers often over-use 'shirimasu' for 'I know' because they lack the 'state vs action' distinction in their native tongue.

The proverb 'Shiranu ga Hotoke' (Ignorance is Buddha/Bliss). Sun Tzu's 'Know your enemy' (Teki o shiri...). The concept of 'Monoshiri' (A person who knows many things) in folklore.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Meeting People

お名前を知っていますか？
田中さんを知っていますか？
どこで知り合いましたか？
共通の知り合いがいます。

Learning/School

答えを知りません。
新しい言葉を知りました。
もっと知りたいです。
先生はすべてを知っています。

News/Information

そのニュースを知っていますか？
テレビで知りました。
まだ誰も知りません。
詳しく知る必要があります。

Business

その件は存じております。
部長はご存じですか？
承知いたしました。
情報を共有して知りましょう。

Daily Life

場所を知りません。
やり方を知っています。
いいお店を知っています。
道を知りませんか？

대화 시작하기

"最近、何か面白いニュースを知りましたか？ (Have you learned any interesting news lately?)"

"この近くにいいカフェを知っていますか？ (Do you know a good cafe near here?)"

"日本の文化について、何を知りたいですか？ (What do you want to know about Japanese culture?)"

"田中さんの電話番号を知っていますか？ (Do you know Mr. Tanaka's phone number?)"

"どうやってその秘密を知ったのですか？ (How did you find out that secret?)"

일기 주제

今日新しく知ったことを三つ書いてください。 (Write three things you newly learned today.)

あなたが一番知りたいことは何ですか？なぜですか？ (What is the thing you want to know most? Why?)

「知らぬが仏」という言葉についてどう思いますか？ (What do you think about the phrase 'Ignorance is bliss'?)

誰にも知られたくない秘密はありますか？ (Do you have a secret you don't want anyone to know?)

子供の頃に知りたかったことは何ですか？ (What did you want to know when you were a child?)

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

In Japanese, 'shirimasu' is an action verb meaning 'to find out.' If you use it in the present tense, it implies you will find out in the future. To express the current state of knowing, you must use the 'te-iru' form: 'shitte-imasu.' This is a fundamental rule of Japanese aspect.

Not necessarily. It is the standard polite way to say 'I don't know.' However, in a professional setting, if you are expected to know something, saying 'shirimasen' bluntly can sound cold. In those cases, 'shouchi shite orimasen' (I am not aware) is more professional.

Use 'shiru' for facts, data, and information you possess (e.g., a phone number, a name). Use 'wakaru' for things you understand through logic, intuition, or skill (e.g., a language, a math problem, someone's feelings).

It is a Group 1 (Godan) verb. Polite: shirimasu. Negative: shiranai. Past: shitta. Te-form: shitte. Potential: shireru. Volitional: shirou. Despite ending in '-iru,' it does not follow the Group 2 (Ichidan) pattern like 'taberu.'

Use 'shirimashita' when you have just learned a new piece of information. For example, if a friend tells you they are moving, you say 'shirimashita' to acknowledge that you have now received that information.

Yes, but use 'shitte-imasu.' 'Tanaka-san o shitte-imasu' means you know who he is. If you want to say you are friends or have a relationship, 'shiriau' (to be acquainted) or 'nakayoshi' (close friends) might be better.

It's a common idiom meaning 'those who know, know.' It refers to something that isn't famous to the general public but is highly regarded by experts or enthusiasts, like a hidden gem of a restaurant.

It is grammatically correct but very rare. Native speakers almost always use 'shirimasen' to mean 'I don't know.' 'Shitte-imasen' might be used in very specific technical or philosophical contexts to mean 'I am not in a state of knowing,' but it's best to avoid it.

The kanji is 知. It is composed of 矢 (arrow) and 口 (mouth). It is a Level 2 kanji in the JLPT (N4/N5 level).

You use the -tai form: 'shiritai desu.' For example, 'shinjitsu o shiritai desu' (I want to know the truth).

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