Japanese word

面識

Pronunciation

Romajimenshiki

Meaning

  • nounacquaintance

Example

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.

Illustration for 面識 (acquaintance)

More examples

彼女とは以前から面識があります。kano jo to wa i zen ka ra men shiki ga a ri ma su

I have been acquainted with her for some time.

Core concept

Describes a relationship in which people have personally met and recognize each other, rather than merely knowing of one another.

Common phrases

  • 面識があるmen shiki ga a ru

    be acquainted

  • 面識を得るmen shiki o u ru

    become acquainted

Definition in Japanese

実際に会って互いに知っている関係。jis sai ni a tte taga i ni shi tte i ru kan kei

Word origin

面 (men, "face") and 識 (shiki, "recognition") form the Sino-Japanese compound 面識 (menshiki, "personal acquaintance").

Usage tips

  • The noun 面識 (menshiki) commonly appears in 面識がある (menshiki ga aru) and 面識がない (menshiki ga nai) to show whether people have met personally, not merely heard of each other.

Word lists with this word