English–Japanese

“acquaintance” in Japanese

Japanese

Also面識 (menshiki) · 顔見知り (kaomishiri)

Romajichijin

駅で知人に会いました。eki de chi jin ni a i ma shi ta

I met an acquaintance at the station.

“Acquaintance” in Japanese is 知人 (chijin).

It describes a person known through some contact without implying a close friendship.

近所の知人から、旅行の話を聞きました。kin jo no chi jin ka ra ryo kō no hanashi o ki ki ma shi ta

I heard about the trip from an acquaintance in my neighborhood.

In everyday English, acquaintance usually describes someone known socially but not well, while friend suggests a closer relationship.

menshiki

nounacquaintance

彼とは一度も面識がありません。kare to wa ichi do mo men shiki ga a ri ma se n

I have never met him.

kaomishiri

nounacquaintance

私は顔見知りにあいさつしました。watashi wa kao mi shi ri ni a i sa tsu shi ma shi ta

I said hello to an acquaintance.