知っている
know
Literally: To be in the state of having come to know
Use `知っている` for facts and people, but switch to `dekiru` for skills and `shiranai` for negatives.
In 15 Seconds
- Describes the state of possessing information or knowing a person.
- Casual form is 'shitteru'; polite form is 'shitte-imasu'.
- Never use it for skills; use 'dekiru' for that.
Meaning
It means you already have a piece of information or are acquainted with someone. It describes the ongoing state of 'having learned' something in the past.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking about a celebrity with a friend
その俳優、知っている！
I know that actor!
A boss asking if you know the new policy
はい、そのニュースは知っています。
Yes, I know that news.
Texting a friend who sent a spoiler
もう知ってるよーw
I already know! lol
Cultural Background
The phrase reflects the Japanese linguistic focus on 'states' rather than just 'actions.' Knowing is seen as a persistent condition. In social contexts, admitting you don't know something (shiranai) can sometimes be seen as blunt, so people often use softer expressions like 'chotto...' (a little...).
The 'I' Drop
In textbooks, it's 'shitteiru'. In real life, it's almost always 'shitteru'. If you say the 'i' in a casual setting, you might sound like a robot or a very stiff textbook!
The Silent Knower
Even if you know what someone is saying, Japanese etiquette often suggests saying 'un un' (yeah) instead of interrupting with 'I know!' to let the speaker finish.
In 15 Seconds
- Describes the state of possessing information or knowing a person.
- Casual form is 'shitteru'; polite form is 'shitte-imasu'.
- Never use it for skills; use 'dekiru' for that.
What It Means
知っている is more than just a simple verb. It describes a mental state. In Japanese, the verb shiru means "to come to know" or "to find out." When you add ~te iru, it turns into a continuous state. Think of it like a light switch. Shiru is the moment you flip the switch. 知っている is the light staying on. You aren't just knowing; you are *in the state* of knowing. It is one of the most common phrases you will hear in daily life.
How To Use It
You use this phrase for facts, people, and information. If someone asks if you know a famous actor, you say 知っている. If you know the capital of France, you say 知っている. In casual speech, the i is almost always dropped. It becomes shitteru. It’s fast, snappy, and very natural. If you want to be polite, you change it to shitte-imasu. It’s like the difference between "Yeah, I know" and "Yes, I am aware of that."
When To Use It
Use it when someone is about to tell you something you already heard. Use it when you recognize a face in a crowd. It’s perfect for texting when a friend sends a link to a meme you saw three hours ago. At work, use the polite version to show you are up to speed on a project. It’s a great way to show you are engaged in the conversation. Just don't say it too fast, or you might sound a bit impatient!
When NOT To Use It
This is a big one: do not use it for skills. If you know how to play the piano or speak Spanish, use dekiru instead. Using 知っている for skills sounds like you only know *about* the piano, not how to play it. Also, be careful with the negative. While you say 知っている to mean "I know," you almost never say shitte-inai for "I don't know." Instead, you use shiranai. It’s a weird linguistic quirk that trips everyone up at first. It’s like the light switch can stay on, but when it’s off, it’s just... off.
Cultural Background
In Japan, knowing someone is a bridge to a relationship. When you say you know someone, it implies a level of social connection. There is also a humble way to say this in business called zonjite-oru. Using the right level of "knowing" shows your respect for the social hierarchy. Interestingly, Japanese people often avoid saying "I know" too aggressively. Even if they know something, they might let the other person finish talking first to be polite. It’s all about the social harmony, or *wa*.
Common Variations
shitteru is your best friend for casual chats. shitte-imasu is your safe bet for teachers and bosses. If you want to sound like a samurai or a very formal businessman, you might use zonjite-imasu. On the flip side, shitteru-shitteru! (repeated twice) is a common way to say "Yeah, yeah, I know!" when you're being a bit playful or slightly annoyed with your siblings.
Usage Notes
Use 'shitte-imasu' for neutral/polite situations and 'shitteru' for friends. Remember that the negative form is 'shiranai', not 'shitte-inai'.
The 'I' Drop
In textbooks, it's 'shitteiru'. In real life, it's almost always 'shitteru'. If you say the 'i' in a casual setting, you might sound like a robot or a very stiff textbook!
The Silent Knower
Even if you know what someone is saying, Japanese etiquette often suggests saying 'un un' (yeah) instead of interrupting with 'I know!' to let the speaker finish.
Negative Trap
Remember: 'I know' = Shitte-iru. 'I don't know' = Shiranai. Never say 'Shitte-inai' unless you want to confuse your Japanese friends!
Examples
6その俳優、知っている！
I know that actor!
The 'i' is dropped for a casual, excited tone.
はい、そのニュースは知っています。
Yes, I know that news.
Uses the polite 'imasu' form for a professional setting.
もう知ってるよーw
I already know! lol
Uses 'yo' for emphasis and 'w' for laughter.
そんなの、みんな知っているよ。
Everyone knows that.
A slightly dismissive but common phrase among friends.
君が頑張っているのは知っているよ。
I know that you are working hard.
Used here to show support and recognition of effort.
この近くに、いいカフェを知っていますか？
Do you know any good cafes nearby?
Standard polite question format.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct casual form to tell your friend you know the answer.
答え、___よ！
In casual conversation, the 'i' is dropped from 'shitte-iru' to become 'shitteru'.
Which word should you use to say you *don't* know?
いいえ、私は__＿。
The negative of 'shitte-imasu' is 'shirimasen' (polite) or 'shiranai' (casual).
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Levels of 'Knowing'
Used with friends and family. Very common.
shitteru
Standard polite Japanese for daily use.
shitte-imasu
Humble/Honorific used in business.
go-zonji / zonjite-oru
When to use 知っている
Recognizing a person
I know that teacher.
Possessing a fact
I know the capital of Japan.
Hearing gossip
I already know that rumor.
Confirming info
I know the meeting time.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsshiru is the act of finding out something new. shitte-iru is the state of already having that knowledge in your head.
Use shirimasen. It is the standard polite way to say you lack information.
No, you should use dekimasu (can do) for skills. Using shitte-iru implies you only know the theory of guitar.
Yes, it is too casual. Use shitte-imasu or even better, zonjite-imasu if you want to be extra respectful.
It is the honorific version of 'know.' You use it to ask someone of higher status if *they* know something, like go-zonji desu ka?
Repeating it often means 'I already know that!' It can be friendly or slightly impatient depending on the tone.
You say yappari! or shitteta!. The past tense shitteta implies you knew it all along.
Yes! You can say sono mise, shitteru to mean 'I know that shop' or 'I've heard of that shop.'
shitte-iru is for facts/data. wakaru is for understanding a concept or someone's feelings.
It can also mean 'I don't care' or 'It's none of my business' depending on the context and sharpness of the tone.
Related Phrases
わかる
To understand / To get it
知らない
To not know (casual)
ご存知
To know (honorific/formal)
覚えている
To remember
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