存じる・
存じる is the humble form used for knowing information or expressing what you think. 存じ上げる is used when the person you know is someone you treat respectfully.
Choose by what is known
The key question is not how important the object is, but whether it is information or a respected person. Use 存じる for facts, circumstances, plans, and opinions. Use 存じ上げる for knowing or being acquainted with a person who is treated respectfully.
Information and people
恐れ入りますが、その件については存じません。
I am sorry, but I do not know about that matter.
AnalyzeThe object is information, so the form without 上げる is used.
山本部長なら、以前から存じ上げております。
I have known Department Manager Yamamoto for some time.
AnalyzeThe person known is treated respectfully, so 存じ上げる is appropriate.
この方針が最も適切だと存じます。
I believe this policy is the most appropriate.
Analyzeと存じます presents the speaker’s opinion humbly and formally.
Keep the knower on your side
Because these are humble forms, the person doing the knowing is normally the speaker or someone belonging to the speaker’s group, such as the speaker’s coworker or company. They are not respectful forms for describing what a customer, teacher, or other respected person knows.
弊社の担当者も中村様を存じ上げております。
Our representative is also acquainted with Nakamura.
AnalyzeThe representative belongs to the speaker’s company, while Nakamura is treated respectfully.
Part of the broader humble system
存じる and 存じ上げる are individual humble verbs within the broader set of special humble vocabulary. This lesson focuses only on choosing between these two according to whether the object is information or a respected person.
More examples
詳しい日程はまだ存じません。
I do not yet know the detailed schedule.
Analyzeご要望については十分に存じております。
I am fully aware of your request.
Analyzeそのような事情があったとは存じませんでした。
I was not aware that there were such circumstances.
Analyzeこの案で問題ないと存じます。
I believe there should be no problem with this proposal.
Analyze鈴木先生のことはよく存じ上げております。
I know Professor Suzuki well.
Analyze申し訳ございませんが、木村様は存じ上げておりません。
I am sorry, but I am not acquainted with Kimura.
Analyze