知る

しる
Alternative writings: 識る
JLPT:N5
Frequency:
1

To know or become aware of a fact or information; to be informed of or discover something.

U-VerbTransitive Verb

Examples

新しい法律が来月から施行されることを知った。

I learned that the new law will come into effect next month.

その結果を先に知っていれば、もっと準備できたのに。

If I had known the results earlier, I could have prepared more.

彼が会社を辞めた理由を知りたい。

I want to know why he quit the company.

2

To sense, feel, notice, or realize something (becoming aware through perception).

U-VerbTransitive Verb

Examples

部屋に入った瞬間、変な匂いがするのに気づいた。何か燃えているのかなと知った。

The moment I entered the room I noticed a strange smell; I realized something might be burning.

彼女の態度の変化に誰もが気づいたが、本人だけは知らなかった。

Everyone noticed the change in her attitude, but she herself didn't realize it.

3

To understand or comprehend something — grasp its meaning, reason, or essence.

U-VerbTransitive Verb

Examples

彼の説明を聞いて、ようやくやり方が知れた。

After hearing his explanation, I finally understood how to do it.

長年の研究で、この現象のメカニズムを知ることができた。

After years of research, we were able to understand the mechanism of this phenomenon.

4

To remember or be familiar/acquainted with someone or something.

U-VerbTransitive Verb

Examples

昔の同僚の名前をまだ知っている。

I still remember the name of my former colleague.

彼女はその歌をよく知っているようだ。

She seems to be very familiar with that song.

5

To experience or go through something (e.g., hardship) and thus know it firsthand.

U-VerbTransitive Verb

Examples

彼は若いころの苦労をよく知っているから、人の痛みが分かる。

Having experienced hardship in his youth, he understands others' pain.

戦争を知る世代の話は重みがある。

Stories from the generation that experienced war carry weight.

6

To get acquainted with a person; to come to know someone personally.

U-VerbTransitive Verb

Examples

パーティーで彼女と知り合った。

I got to know her at the party.

紹介してもらって、たくさんの人を知った。

I was introduced to many people and got to know them.

7

To have to do with, be concerned with, or be someone's responsibility — often used in negative constructions.

U-VerbTransitive Verb

Examples

それは私の知るところではない。

That's not something I know about / It's not within my knowledge.

この問題は私の知る範囲外だ。

This issue is outside my area of knowledge / responsibility.

Word Relationships

Synonyms
Derivations
Masu-Form知ります
Nai-Form知らない
Ta-Form知った
Te-Form知って
Ba-Form知れば
Volitional Form知ろう
Imperative Form知れ
Potential Form知れる
Passive Form知られる
Causative Form知らせる
Causative Passive Form知らせられる