Translation guide
The state of lacking knowledge or awareness. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various nouns, adjectives, and phrases that differ in nuance, formality, and usage.
Expressing that someone does not know something or lacks knowledge in general.
The most direct translation for 'ignorance', meaning lack of knowledge or being uninformed. Often used in formal or written contexts.
I am surprised by his ignorance.
Ignorance is not a sin, but not learning is.
Lack of education or learning; often implies illiteracy or being uneducated. More specific than 無知.
He is uneducated but very wise.
Literally 'things one does not know'. A more colloquial way to refer to ignorance.
There are many things I don't know.
Formal or literary term for ignorance. Rarely used in everyday speech.
Explore the world of the unknown.
Expressing that someone deliberately ignores or disregards something.
Act of ignoring or disregarding. Often used when someone intentionally pays no attention.
He ignored my advice.
You must not ignore the problem.
Pretending not to know; feigning ignorance. Casual and often used in spoken language.
Literally 'pretending not to see'. Used when someone deliberately overlooks something.
He turned a blind eye to the injustice.
Expressing that someone is unaware of something, often with a nuance of innocence or naivety.
Lack of self-awareness; being unaware of one's own actions or situation.
He is unaware of his own shortcomings.
Innocence, naivety; often used for children or pure-hearted ignorance.
Not noticing; unaware. A common way to express lack of awareness.
He is unaware of the danger.
Expressing that ignorance is blameworthy or reflects poorly on someone.
Ignorance in the sense of being unenlightened or benighted. Strongly negative and literary.
Enlighten the ignorant masses.
Foolishness or stupidity, often stemming from ignorance. More about the quality than the state.
It's hard to admit one's own foolishness.
無知 (muchi) means lack of knowledge, while 無視 (mushi) means ignoring or disregarding. They are not interchangeable. 無知 is a state, 無視 is an action.
The English proverb 'ignorance is bliss' does not have a direct equivalent in Japanese. A natural way to express the idea is 「知らぬが仏」 (shiranu ga hotoke), literally 'not knowing is Buddha', meaning ignorance can bring peace of mind.
Ignorance of the law is no excuse.
He pleaded ignorance.
He pretended not to know me even when he saw me.
I laughed at the child's innocent question.