Translation and Meaning of: 知る - shiru

The Japanese word 知る [しる] is an essential verb for anyone learning the language. Its main meaning is "to know" or "to be acquainted with," but its use goes beyond the literal sense, reflecting cultural and linguistic nuances of Japanese. In this article, we will explore everything from the basics, such as its writing and translation, to deeper aspects, such as its usage in everyday situations and common expressions.

Additionally, understanding how 知る differs from other similar terms can prevent confusion. If you have ever wondered when to use it or how to memorize it effectively, keep reading. Suki Nihongo, the best online Japanese dictionary, has gathered valuable information to aid in your learning.

Meaning and use of 知る

知る is a verb that expresses the act of acquiring knowledge or becoming aware of something. Unlike Portuguese, where "saber" and "conhecer" can be interchangeable in some contexts, in Japanese there is a clearer distinction. While 知る indicates acquired knowledge, 分かる [わかる] is more related to understanding or perceiving something deeply.

A practical example is the sentence 彼の名前を知っていますか？ [かれのなまえをしっていますか？], which means "Do you know his name?". Here, the verb is used to ask if the person has the information, not necessarily if they comprehend something complex. This type of nuance is crucial to avoid misunderstandings when speaking Japanese.

Origin and writing of the kanji 知

The kanji 知 is composed of two main elements: the radical 矢 [や], which means "arrow," and 口 [くち], which represents "mouth." This combination suggests the idea of conveying knowledge directly, like an arrow hitting its target. The etymology traces back to ancient Chinese, where the character already carried the meaning of "to know" or "to perceive."

It is worth noting that 知る is the kun'yomi (Japanese) reading of the kanji, while the on'yomi (Chinese) reading is ち, as in 知識 [ちしき], which means "knowledge." This duality of readings is common in Japanese, and understanding when each is used aids in memorizing vocabulary.

Tips for memorizing and using 知る

An effective way to fix 知る is to associate it with everyday situations. For example, when learning something new, you can think これを知りたい [これをしりたい], which means "I want to know this." Another tip is to note that the verb often appears in the form 知っている [しっている], indicating a state of continuous knowledge, different from Portuguese, which uses the simple present.

In Japanese culture, there is an interesting proverb that uses this word: 知るは楽しみの始まり [しるはたのしみのはじまり], which can be translated as "Knowing is the beginning of pleasure." This type of expression illustrates how knowledge is valued in Japan, reinforcing the importance of mastering the correct use of 知る.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 知っている (shitteiru) - Be aware; know.
• 知り得る (shiriuru) - To be able to know; to have the possibility of knowing.
• 知れる (shireru) - To be possible to know; to be recognized.
• 承知する (shouchi suru) - To be aware; to consent or accept understanding of something.
• 分かる (wakaru) - Understand; perceive.
• 認識する (ninshiki suru) - Recognize; understand in a conscious way.
• 理解する (rikai suru) - Understand; to have a deep understanding of something.
• 把握する (haaku suru) - Fully understand; have control over knowledge.
• 知悉する (chisatsu suru) - To know in depth; to be fully informed.
• 識る (shiru) - To know; to have knowledge about something.
• 見聞きする (mimikisuru) - See and hear; observe information through experience.
• 聞く (kiku) - Listen; ask.
• 見る (miru) - See; observe.

知る

Romaji: shiru
Kana: しる
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: know; understand; become familiar; feel

Meaning in English: to know;to understand;to be acquainted with;to feel

Definition: Recognize information and facts.

Example Sentences - (知る) shiru

See below some example sentences:

考古学は歴史を知るために重要な学問です。

Kōkogaku wa rekishi o shiru tame ni jūyōna gakumon desu

Archaeology is an important discipline for understanding history.

Archaeology is an important learning tool to understand history.

• 考古学 - archaeology
• は - Topic particle
• 歴史 - history
• を - direct object particle
• 知る - to know, to be familiar with
• ために - in order to
• 重要な - important
• 学問 - academic discipline
• です - verb "to be" (in the present)

本人は自分自身を知ることが大切だ。

Honjin wa jibun jishin o shiru koto ga taisetsu da

It is important for a person to know themselves.

It is important for a person to know themselves.

• 本人 - means "myself" or "the person herself/himself".
• は - topic particle, which indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 自分自身 - means "oneself" or "the person themselves."
• を - direct object particle, which indicates the object of the action.
• 知る - verb that means "to know" or "to be aware".
• こと - noun that indicates an action or a fact.
• が - subject particle, which indicates who performs the action.
• 大切 - Adjective that means "important" or "valuable".
• だ - verb that indicates existence or identity.

真相を知ることは重要です。

Shinsou wo shiru koto wa juuyou desu

It is important to know the truth.

• 真相 - means "truth" or "reality".
• を - Particle that indicates the object of the action.
• 知る - verb meaning "to know" or "to be acquainted with."
• こと - noun that indicates action or event.
• は - Particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 重要 - Adjective meaning "important" or "crucial".
• です - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite and respectful way of speaking.

知るは力なり。

Shiru wa chikara nari

To know is to empower.

• 知る - "Significa" knowledge em japonês é 知る (shiru).
• は - It is a grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 力 - It means "power" or "strength" in Japanese.
• なり - it is an ancient form of the verb "to be" in Japanese

証明書を取得するために必要な手続きを知っていますか？

Shōmeisho o shutoku suru tame ni hitsuyōna tetsuzuki o shitte imasuka?)

Do you know what the necessary procedures are to obtain a proof certificate?

Do you know what the necessary procedures are to obtain a proof certificate?

• 証明書 - certificate
• を - direct object particle
• 取得する - obtain, acquire
• ために - in order to
• 必要な - necessary
• 手続き - procedure
• を - direct object particle
• 知っていますか？ - Do you know?

明日は雨かも知れない。

Ashita wa ame kamoshirenai

Tomorrow it might rain.

It might rain tomorrow.

• 明日 - tomorrow
• は - Topic particle
• 雨 - rain
• かも知れない - it may be so, or it may not be so

恐れを知らぬ勇気がある。

Osore wo shiranu yuuki ga aru

There is courage without fear.

I have the courage to be afraid.

• 恐れを知らぬ - without fear
• 勇気 - courage
• が - subject particle
• ある - exists

知的な人は魅力的です。

Chiteki na hito wa miryokuteki desu

Intellectuals are attractive.

• 知的な人 - smart person
• は - Topic particle
• 魅力的です - is attractive

私は彼の正体を知っている。

Watashi wa kare no shoutai o shitte iru

I know his true identity.

I know his identity.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 彼 - The Japanese personal pronoun that means "he" is "彼" (kare).
• の - Japanese particle that indicates possession or relationship
• 正体 - The Japanese noun that means "identity" or "true nature" is "本質" (honshitsu).
• を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
• 知っている - Japanese verb that means "to know" or "to be familiar with," in the affirmative present tense