Translation guide
The English word 'ignorant' can mean lacking knowledge, being unaware, or showing a lack of education. In Japanese, the best translation depends on whether you mean 'not knowing facts,' 'uneducated/uncultured,' or 'willfully ignoring something.' This guide helps you choose the right expression.
彼は事実を知らない。
He is ignorant of the facts.
To say someone doesn't know something, is uninformed, or lacks awareness of a fact or situation.
The most direct translation for 'ignorant' in the sense of lacking knowledge. Often used in formal or written contexts. Can sound harsh if used directly about someone.
彼はその問題について無知だ。
He is ignorant about the issue.
The most natural and common way to say someone doesn't know something. Less harsh than 無知. Use this in everyday conversation.
彼はその事実を知らない。
He is ignorant of that fact.
Literally 'unlearned,' emphasizing lack of formal education or scholarly knowledge. More about being uneducated than simply not knowing a fact.
彼は無学だが、賢い。
He is ignorant (uneducated) but clever.
A strong, literary term meaning 'utterly ignorant' or 'benighted.' Used in formal criticism or philosophical contexts.
無知蒙昧な大衆
the ignorant masses
To describe someone who is uncultured, ill-mannered, or doesn't know how to behave in a social setting.
Means 'uncultured' or 'lacking refinement.' Focuses on a lack of cultural knowledge or good upbringing.
彼は無教養で、テーブルマナーを知らない。
He is ignorant and doesn't know table manners.
Means 'uncouth,' 'unrefined,' or 'tactless.' Often used for someone who doesn't understand social subtleties or is unfashionable.
野暮な質問ですみません。
Sorry for the ignorant question.
Literally 'not knowing the world,' meaning naive or ignorant of how society works. Often used for someone sheltered.
To express that someone is deliberately ignoring facts, advice, or a situation.
Means 'to ignore' or 'disregard.' Use this when someone intentionally pays no attention to something they should acknowledge.
彼は警告を無視した。
He ignored the warning (was willfully ignorant).
Literally 'to pretend not to see,' meaning to turn a blind eye. Implies willful ignorance of something obvious.
彼は不正を見て見ぬふりをした。
He turned a blind eye to the injustice (was willfully ignorant).
Casual term for 'feigning ignorance' or 'playing dumb.' Often used when someone pretends not to know something to avoid responsibility.
In English, calling someone 'ignorant' can be a strong insult. In Japanese, directly saying 無知な人 (ignorant person) can sound very harsh and confrontational. It's often better to soften the statement or use a phrase like あまり詳しくない (not very knowledgeable) unless you intend to be rude.
彼はその分野にあまり詳しくない。
He's not very knowledgeable in that field.
無知 (muchi) is a noun/adjective meaning 'ignorance' or 'ignorant,' often used in formal or written contexts. 知らない (shiranai) is the negative form of 'to know' and is the most natural way to say 'don't know' in conversation. Use 知らない for everyday situations and 無知 for abstract or formal discussions about lack of knowledge.
彼女は世間知らずだ。
She is ignorant of the ways of the world.
彼は知らんぷりを決め込んだ。
He played ignorant.