Japanese word

存ずる

Pronunciation

Romajizonzuru

Meaning

  • verbknow

Example

その話は存じません。so no hanashi wa zon ji ma se n

I do not know about that story.

Illustration for 存ずる (know)

More examples

その件の詳しい事情は存じませんが、確認いたします。so no ken no kuwa shi i ji jō wa zon ji ma se n ga kaku nin i ta shi ma su

I do not know the details of the matter, but I will check.

Core concept

Describes having knowledge of something while presenting that knowledge with humility toward the listener.

Common phrases

  • お名前を存じていますo na mae o zon ji te i ma su

    know your name

  • 詳細を存じませんshō sai o zon ji ma se n

    not know the details

Similar words

知るshiru: To have knowledge of a fact, person, or thing without showing special humility.

Definition in Japanese

知っていることや承知していることを、へりくだっていう語。shi tte i ru ko to ya shō chi shi te i ru ko to o he ri ku da tte i u go

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese verb 存ずる (zonzuru) is built from 存 (zon, "exist" or "remain") and ずる (zuru), a classical verb-forming element, and it acquired a humble sense of knowing.

Usage tips

  • The form 存じません (zonjimasen) commonly means "I do not know" in polite speech, while its humble tone makes it different from the neutral 知りません (shirimasen).

Other meanings

  • be aware ofverb

Related words

  • ご存じgozonjiknowledgenoun

Word lists with this word