Meaning
A polite way to ask if someone is aware of a particular fact or information.
Cultural Background
In business, knowing what your client knows is crucial. Using this phrase shows you've done your homework and respect their time. The 'Uchi-Soto' (Inside-Outside) concept means you use this phrase for 'Soto' people (clients, strangers) to maintain a polite distance. Service staff use this to make guests feel valued. It's part of the 'refined' atmosphere of Japanese hospitality. Students are expected to use Keigo with teachers. Failing to use '{ご存知|ごぞんじ}ですか' can be seen as a lack of discipline.
The 'Go' Rule
If you are asking a question to someone you respect, always check if you can add 'Go' or 'O' to the noun. It's the easiest way to sound polite.
Don't be too humble
Using '{存|ぞん}じております' for someone else is actually rude because it lowers them. Stick to '{ご存知|ごぞんじ}ですか'.
Meaning
A polite way to ask if someone is aware of a particular fact or information.
The 'Go' Rule
If you are asking a question to someone you respect, always check if you can add 'Go' or 'O' to the noun. It's the easiest way to sound polite.
Don't be too humble
Using '{存|ぞん}じております' for someone else is actually rude because it lowers them. Stick to '{ご存知|ごぞんじ}ですか'.
Indirectness
In Japan, asking '{ご存知|ごぞんじ}ですか' is often a way to introduce information you already know, just to be polite.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct polite form.
{田中|たなか}さんの{電話番号|でんわばんごう}を___？
Since you are asking someone else, you must use the respectful 'Gozonji desu ka'.
Which sentence is correct when speaking to a boss?
Choose the most appropriate sentence.
Option 1 is too casual. Option 3 uses a humble verb for the listener, which is a mistake.
Complete the dialogue.
A: {明日|あした}の{会議|かいぎ}の{場所|ばしょ}を___？ B: はい、{会議室|かいぎしつ}Aですね。
In a professional context (implied by 'meeting'), 'Gozonji desu ka' is the best fit.
Match the phrase to the situation.
When would you use '{ご存知|ごぞんじ}ですか'?
Clients require respectful language (Sonkeigo).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises{田中|たなか}さんの{電話番号|でんわばんごう}を___？
Since you are asking someone else, you must use the respectful 'Gozonji desu ka'.
Choose the most appropriate sentence.
Option 1 is too casual. Option 3 uses a humble verb for the listener, which is a mistake.
A: {明日|あした}の{会議|かいぎ}の{場所|ばしょ}を___？ B: はい、{会議室|かいぎしつ}Aですね。
In a professional context (implied by 'meeting'), 'Gozonji desu ka' is the best fit.
When would you use '{ご存知|ごぞんじ}ですか'?
Clients require respectful language (Sonkeigo).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYes, it is the perfect phrase to use with teachers to show respect.
No! That is a major mistake. Use 'Zonjite-orimasu' for yourself.
'Shitte-imasu ka' is polite but neutral. 'Gozonji desu ka' is respectful (honorific).
Use '{存|ぞん}じません' or '{存|ぞん}じておりません'.
Yes, it works for both people ('Do you know Mr. Tanaka?') and facts ('Do you know the time?').
Related Phrases
{知|し}っていますか
similarDo you know? (Neutral-polite)
{存|ぞん}じております
contrastI know. (Humble)
{承知|しょうち}いたしました
builds onI have understood/acknowledged.
{存|ぞん}じ上げます
specialized formI know (a person). (Humble)
