Translation guide
The English phrase "get to know" refers to the process of becoming familiar with a person, place, or thing over time. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent; instead, different expressions are used depending on whether you are talking about people, places, or things, and whether the knowing is deep or superficial.
I want to get to know you better.
Polite. For casual, drop です.
We got to know each other at work.
Expressing the process of becoming acquainted with someone, often with the goal of friendship or deeper understanding.
Literally 'become close/friendly'. This is the most natural way to say 'get to know someone' when you mean developing a friendly relationship.
I gradually got to know her.
I want to get to know my new classmates quickly.
Literally 'get to know each other'. Often used for the initial stage of acquaintance. Can imply a more casual or less deep relationship than 仲良くなる.
Similar to 仲良くなる but slightly more formal/literary. Implies becoming intimate or familiar with someone.
Formal expression meaning 'deepen exchanges/interaction'. Used in business or formal contexts when talking about getting to know people through organized activities.
Focusing on learning facts, personality, or background about someone, not necessarily becoming friends.
Pattern: [person]のことを知る. This means 'learn about (someone)'. It's neutral and can be used for any depth of knowledge.
Becoming accustomed to or learning about a place, system, or object through experience.
Pattern: [place/thing]に慣れる. Means 'get used to' or 'become familiar with'. This is the most common way to express getting to know a place or routine.
Learning a fact or piece of information, often unexpectedly or through inquiry.
Simple 'learn/find out'. Use when the object is a fact or piece of information.
Do not translate 'get to know' literally as 知るようになる or 知り得る. These are unnatural. Use the phrases above depending on context.
仲良くなる implies a deepening friendship, while 知り合う simply means meeting and becoming acquainted. Use 仲良くなる when you want to emphasize a close relationship.
It takes time to really get to know someone.
I got to know many people at the party.
I got to know him through work.
I got to know the local people at the social gathering.
I want to get to know him better.
Do you know your teacher well? (Have you gotten to know your teacher?)
Pattern: [person]について知る. Similar to 〜のことを知る but slightly more formal or objective. Often used when learning specific information.
I want to get to know about his career.
It took time to get to know the new town.
I want to get to know how to operate this machine quickly.
Pattern: [place/thing]をよく知る. Means 'know well'. Implies deep familiarity, often from long experience.
He knows this area well. (He has gotten to know this area.)
Pattern: [topic/thing]に詳しくなる. Means 'become knowledgeable about'. Used when you actively learn details about a subject.
I want to get to know sake (in depth).
I got to know his secret.
Means 'come to understand' or 'find out'. Often used when the information becomes clear to you.
I got to know his true feelings.
I just got to know him (met him), we're not close yet.
まだこの街に慣れていない。
I'm still getting to know the city.