"Wakarimasu" vs "Shitteimasu" Meaning: How to Say "I Know" in Japanese
In English, "I know" can be used in many situations. However, in Japanese, there's a crucial distinction between knowing a piece of information and understanding a concept. This is where the difference between 知っています (shitte imasu) and 分かります (wakarimasu) becomes essential.
They both translate to "I know," but their usage is completely different. Using the wrong one can lead to confusing and unnatural-sounding sentences. This guide will clarify the crucial nuance between knowing a fact and understanding a concept.
1. 知っています (Shitte imasu): Knowing a Fact
知っています (shitte imasu) is used when you are aware of a piece of information or have knowledge about something's existence. Think of it as "to be aware of" or "to have knowledge of." It deals with factual information.
Example 1: Knowing a person
A: 田中さんを知っていますか？
(Tanaka-san o shitte imasu ka?)
"Do you know Mr. Tanaka?"
B: はい、知っています。
(Hai, shitte imasu.)
"Yes, I know him."
Example 2: Knowing a fact
A: このレストランの電話番号を知っていますか？
(Kono resutoran no denwa bangō o shitte imasu ka?)
"Do you know this restaurant's phone number?"
B: いいえ、知りません。
(Iie, shirimasen.)
"No, I don't know it." (Note: The negative form is 知りません, not 知っていません).
2. 分かります (Wakarimasu): Understanding a Concept
分かります (wakarimasu) is used when you understand something, like a concept, a reason, a language, or how something works. It's about comprehension and ability, not just awareness.
Example 1: Understanding a language
A: 日本語が分かりますか？
(Nihongo ga wakarimasu ka?)
"Do you understand Japanese?"
B: はい、少し分かります。
(Hai, sukoshi wakarimasu.)
"Yes, I understand a little."
Example 2: Understanding an explanation
先生の説明が分かりますか？
(Sensei no setsumei ga wakarimasu ka?)
"Do you understand the teacher's explanation?"
B: はい、よく分かります。
(Hai, yoku wakarimasu.)
"Yes, I understand it well."
Key Differences Summarized
| Feature | 知っています (Shitte imasu) | 分かります (Wakarimasu) |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | To know (a fact), to be aware of | To understand, to comprehend |
| Usage | For facts, information, people, places | For concepts, languages, skills, reasons |
| Particle | Usually を (o) | Usually が (ga) |
| Negative | 知りません (shirimasen) | 分かりません (wakarimasen) |
Conclusion
The easiest way to remember the difference is to ask yourself: "Am I talking about a piece of external information, or am I talking about my internal comprehension?" If it's about information (a phone number, a person), use shitte imasu. If it's about comprehension (a language, a math problem), use wakarimasu.
Mastering this distinction will make your Japanese sound much more natural and precise. It's a small change that makes a big difference!