Use 'gozonji' to show respect when referring to someone else's knowledge.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Honorific form of knowing used for superiors.
- Commonly used to ask if someone knows something.
- Essential for polite business communication and etiquette.
Overview
- 1概要：『ご存知』は「知る」の尊敬語である「ご存知だ」の連用形や名詞的用法です。相手の知識や認識に対して敬意を表すため、目上の人や顧客に対して使うのが一般的です。2) 使用パターン：主に「ご存知ですか？」「ご存知の通り」という形で使われます。相手に情報を確認する際や、相手が既に知っているであろう事実を強調して説明を補足する際に非常に便利です。3) 一般的な文脈：ビジネスメールやプレゼンテーション、接客など、丁寧な言葉遣いが求められるあらゆる場面で活躍します。「ご存知のとおり」とすることで、相手との共通認識を強調し、話の説得力を高める効果があります。4) 類語との比較：「知っていますか」は丁寧語ですが、目上の人には失礼にあたります。「ご存知ですか」は相手を敬う形であり、ビジネスシーンではこちらが必須です。「承知しております」は自分の動作（知っている）を謙遜する謙譲語であるため、相手の知識を指す「ご存知」とは明確に使い分ける必要があります。
Examples
この件について、ご存知ですか？
everydayDo you know about this matter?
皆様もご存知の通り、業績は好調です。
formalAs you all know, our performance is strong.
ご存知でしたら、教えていただけますか？
informalIf you happen to know, could you please tell me?
本件をご存知の方はいらっしゃいますか？
academicIs there anyone here who knows about this matter?
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
ご存知のとおり
As you are aware
ご存知でしょうか
Would you happen to know?
Often Confused With
This is a humble form used for oneself. Use it when you are the one who knows.
This is the plain form. It lacks the respect required for business or formal settings.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use 'gozonji' exclusively for others. It is a high-level honorific, making it perfect for clients and superiors. Avoid using it to describe your own knowledge, as that would be grammatically incorrect and rude.
Common Mistakes
The most common mistake is using 'gozonji' for oneself. Another error is using it with people of equal or lower status, which can sound sarcastic or overly formal. Always ensure the context is appropriate for honorifics.
Tips
Use for others only
Always remember that 'gozonji' is for others. Use 'zonjite orimasu' for yourself.
Avoid using with superiors directly
Directly asking a superior 'gozonji desu ka' can sound slightly blunt. Use 'gozonji deshou ka' instead.
The importance of shared knowledge
In Japanese culture, acknowledging shared knowledge builds rapport. Using 'gozonji no toori' creates a sense of unity.
Word Origin
Derived from the verb 'zonjiru' (to know), with the honorific prefix 'go-'. It evolved to show deep respect for the listener's awareness.
Cultural Context
In Japanese business culture, acknowledging that your counterpart already knows information demonstrates respect and efficiency. It avoids explaining things they already understand, which saves time and shows professional consideration.
Memory Tip
Think of 'go-zonji' as 'Go-Zone' where the person you respect is already in the 'know-zone'. It is a respectful way to acknowledge their knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsいいえ、自分に対しては使いません。自分については「存じております」という謙譲語を使うのが正しいマナーです。
「ご存知でしょうか」の方がより丁寧で柔らかい響きになります。ビジネスシーンでは「ご存知でしょうか」を使うのが無難です。
はい、正しいです。相手が知っているかどうかを控えめに尋ねる際によく使われます。
はい、正しいです。特定の情報を持っている人を指す際に使われます。
Test Yourself
弊社の新製品について___でしょうか？
相手（顧客）の知識を尋ねるため、尊敬語の「ご存知」が適切です。
「山田部長は、この件を（ ）ですか？」
目上の人である部長の知識について尋ねるため、尊敬語の「ご存知」を使います。
（通り / ご存知の / 私たちは / 計画を / 進めます）
「ご存知の通り」は文頭または文中で強調するために使われます。
Score: /3
Summary
Use 'gozonji' to show respect when referring to someone else's knowledge.
- Honorific form of knowing used for superiors.
- Commonly used to ask if someone knows something.
- Essential for polite business communication and etiquette.
Use for others only
Always remember that 'gozonji' is for others. Use 'zonjite orimasu' for yourself.
Avoid using with superiors directly
Directly asking a superior 'gozonji desu ka' can sound slightly blunt. Use 'gozonji deshou ka' instead.
The importance of shared knowledge
In Japanese culture, acknowledging shared knowledge builds rapport. Using 'gozonji no toori' creates a sense of unity.
Examples
4 of 4この件について、ご存知ですか？
Do you know about this matter?
皆様もご存知の通り、業績は好調です。
As you all know, our performance is strong.
ご存知でしたら、教えていただけますか？
If you happen to know, could you please tell me?
本件をご存知の方はいらっしゃいますか？
Is there anyone here who knows about this matter?
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More communication words
について
A2about; concerning
宛先
B1The address or name of the recipient to whom mail or an email is sent.
番地
A2House number
賛同
B1Approval, endorsement; support or agreement with an idea.
~も
A2Too, also.
〜そして
A1And then; and (used to connect sentences or clauses).
たり
A2Indicates a non-exhaustive list of actions/states ('and so on').
〜や
A2And; and so forth (used to list examples, implying others exist).
お知らせ
B1Notice; an announcement or communication.
答え
A2A thing said, written, or done as a reaction to a question or statement.
