Translation guide
How to express that something is not known, not recognized, or not experienced in Japanese, depending on whether it's a person, place, thing, or experience.
Expressing that you don't know or recognize something, like a word, fact, or object.
The most common and direct way to say you don't know something. Casual.
その言葉は知らない。
I'm not familiar with that word.
Polite form of 知らない. Use in formal situations or with strangers.
その言葉は知りません。
I'm not familiar with that word. (polite)
Literally 'I haven't heard of it.' Used when you've never encountered something before.
その映画、聞いたことがない。
I've never heard of that movie.
Literally 'I haven't seen it.' Used for visual unfamiliarity.
この植物は見たことがない。
I've never seen this plant before.
Expressing that you don't know or aren't acquainted with someone.
Means 'a person I don't know' or 'stranger'. Used as a noun phrase.
あの人は知らない人です。
That person is someone I don't know.
Formal expression meaning 'have no acquaintance with'. Used when you've never met someone.
彼とは面識がありません。
I'm not acquainted with him.
Expressing unfamiliarity due to lack of experience or exposure.
Means 'not used to' or 'unfamiliar with' a situation, place, or activity.
この街にはまだ慣れていない。
I'm still not familiar with this town.
Noun/na-adjective meaning 'inexperienced' or 'unfamiliar'. Often used in formal contexts.
不慣れな仕事で苦労している。
I'm struggling with the unfamiliar work.
Means 'for the first time'. Implies unfamiliarity because it's a new experience.
Describing something as strange, unknown, or not familiar in a broader sense.
Noun meaning 'unknown' or 'unfamiliar'. Often used in written or formal contexts.
未知の世界に足を踏み入れる。
Step into an unfamiliar world.
Means 'not familiar' or 'not well-known'. Often used for places, customs, or things you haven't had much contact with.
この習慣には馴染みがない。
I'm not familiar with this custom.
English 'unfamiliar' is often translated as 不慣れ (ふなれ) or 未知 (みち), but these can sound stiff or overly formal in casual speech. In most everyday situations, use 知らない or 慣れていない instead.
ここは初めてです。
This is my first time here. (I'm unfamiliar with this place.)