Japanese Conversation · Level 25
90 words
Japanese word
知り合い
Pronunciation
Romajishiriai
Meaning
- nounsomeone I know
Example
公園で知り合いに会いました。kō en de shi ri a i ni a i ma shi ta
I met someone I know at the park.
More examples
困ったときは、知り合いに相談すると安心です。koma tta to ki wa shi ri a i ni sō dan su ru to an shin de su
When you are in trouble, it is reassuring to consult someone you know.
Core concept
Describes a person known through some connection but not necessarily a close friend.
Common phrases
知り合いに会うshi ri a i ni a u
meet someone I know
知り合いと話すshi ri a i to hana su
talk with someone I know
知り合いに連絡するshi ri a i ni ren raku su ru
contact someone I know
Similar words
知人chijin: A person known through a social or professional connection, often in a formal setting.
顔見知りkaomishiri: A person recognized from previous encounters without implying a close relationship.
友達tomodachi: A person with whom one has a friendly relationship, often in casual speech.
Definition in Japanese
面識があり、互いに存在や人柄などを知っている人。men shiki ga a ri taga i ni son zai ya hito gara na do o shi tte i ru hito
Word origin
知り合い (shiriai, "someone known") is the noun use of the continuative form of 知り合う (shiriau, "to get acquainted"), combining 知る (shiru, "to know") and 合う (au, "to meet each other").
Usage tips
- In everyday Japanese, 知り合い (shiriai, "someone known") commonly identifies a person connected through work, school, or another social setting without suggesting a close relationship.