Translation guide
How to express that you know something well, have experience with it, or are acquainted with a person, place, or topic in Japanese.
Expressing that you have good knowledge of a subject, are well-informed about something, or know the details.
Used to say you are knowledgeable or well-versed in a topic. Often used with 〜に詳しい.
彼は日本の歴史に詳しい。
He is familiar with Japanese history.
Literally 'know well', used for being familiar with facts, places, or things through experience or study.
この辺はよく知っています。
I'm familiar with this area.
Formal, implies deep expertise or mastery. Often used in professional or academic contexts.
彼は国際法に精通している。
He is well-versed in international law.
Expressing that you know someone, but not necessarily deeply; having met or having a connection.
The most common way to say you know someone. Can range from knowing of them to being well-acquainted.
田中さんを知っていますか。
Are you familiar with Mr. Tanaka?
Means you have met someone in person, even if briefly. More formal than 知っている.
彼とは面識があります。
I'm acquainted with him.
Implies a close, familiar relationship. Not just knowing someone, but being on friendly terms.
Expressing that you know a location well, such as a neighborhood, city, or building.
Used for places you have experience with. Natural in conversation.
この町はよく知っています。
I'm familiar with this town.
Specifically means having a good sense of direction or familiarity with the geography of an area.
彼は東京の土地勘がある。
He is familiar with the lay of Tokyo.
Can also be used for places when you know a lot about them, like history or hidden spots.
Expressing that you understand how something works, such as a procedure, machine, or software.
Means you are accustomed to something through experience. Implies practical familiarity.
このシステムには慣れています。
I'm familiar with this system.
Means you have a firm grasp or understanding of the situation or system. Slightly formal.
手順は把握しています。
I'm familiar with the procedure.
Formal, implies thorough knowledge. Often used in business or technical contexts.
規則を熟知している。
I'm thoroughly familiar with the rules.
The English phrase 'be familiar with' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. Translating it word-for-word (e.g., 〜に親しみがある) often sounds unnatural. Choose the expression based on what you are familiar with: a topic, person, place, or system.
知っている simply means you know something or someone. 詳しい means you have detailed knowledge. Use 詳しい when you want to emphasize expertise, and よく知っている for general familiarity.
彼女とは親しい仲です。
I'm on familiar terms with her.
彼女は京都に詳しい。
She is familiar with Kyoto.