Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Know" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "know", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
しります
しります (shirimasu)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
弁える
わきまえる (wakimaeru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "know" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between しります and 弁える.
In Japanese, しります (しります (shirimasu)) is typically associated with "to know" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents The polite form of 知る.
On the other hand, 弁える (わきまえる (wakimaeru)) maps to "to know one's place; to be aware of the rules/propriety; to discern; to understand" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Emphasizes understanding social conventions, one's position, or what is appropriate in a given situation. Often used with '常識'. A literal translation of "know" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "しります"
彼の名前をよくしりません。
I don't know his name well.
Bilingual Context for "弁える"
彼は大人として、TPOを弁えた行動ができる。
As an adult, he can act appropriately, understanding the time, place, and occasion.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼の名前をよくしりません。" (Meaning: "I don't know his name well.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "しります" fits here because it means "to know" in the context of: "I don't know his name well.". "弁える" represents "to know one's place; to be aware of the rules/propriety; to discern; to understand".