知 – Kanji Meaning, Reading, and Common Words

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知

知 means to know, to understand, or knowledge. It is used in everyday words about knowing facts, being informed, and having knowledge.

Reading

On’yomi: チ (chi)

Kun’yomi: し-る (shi-ru)

Basic Information

Kanji 知
Meaning know, knowledge, wisdom
Stroke Count 8
JLPT Level N4

How to Understand This Kanji

知 focuses on knowing or being aware of information. It can describe knowing a person, knowing a fact, or having knowledge about a subject. Compared with 分, which often means to understand or divide, 知 is more about possessing knowledge or becoming aware of something.

Common Words

  • 知る（しる / shiru） — to know, to find out
  • 知っています（しっています / shitte imasu） — know, be aware of
  • 知らない（しらない / shiranai） — do not know
  • 知らせる（しらせる / shiraseru） — to inform, to let someone know
  • 知識（ちしき / chishiki） — knowledge
  • 承知（しょうち / shouchi） — understanding, consent, acknowledgment

Example Sentences

  • その名前を知っています。

    そのなまえをしっています。 / Sono namae o shitte imasu.

    I know that name.

  • 答えを知りません。

    こたえをしりません。 / Kotae o shirimasen.

    I do not know the answer.

  • 先生が試験の日を知らせました。

    せんせいがしけんのひをしらせました。 / Sensei ga shiken no hi o shirasemashita.

    The teacher informed us of the exam day.

Related Kanji

  • 学

    — 学 means to learn or study, while 知 means to know or have knowledge; they are closely connected in learning contexts.

  • 教

    — 教 focuses on teaching, while 知 focuses on knowing; together they describe the flow from instruction to knowledge.

  • 気

    — 気づく means to notice or become aware, which is closely related to 知る; learners often compare these two to understand subtle differences in awareness and knowledge.

When Learners Usually See This Kanji

The most important beginner word is 知る, meaning ‘to know’ or ‘to find out.’ Be careful with tense: 知っています usually means ‘I know,’ while 知りません means ‘I do not know.’ In compounds, the on’yomi チ appears in words such as 知識 and 承知.

Summary

知 is a core kanji for knowing, knowledge, and awareness. It appears in useful words for daily conversation and study.