Translation guide
Expresses doing something without being aware of a fact, without realizing, or without having prior knowledge. Often used adverbially to describe an action done unknowingly or unintentionally.
I asked him out without knowing he was married.
Similar to とも知らずに, but slightly more emphatic. Often used when the fact is surprising or contrary to expectation.
Without knowing it would be our last conversation, I said a casual goodbye.
Means 'without realizing it' or 'before one knows it', often for gradual changes or unconscious actions.
Without realizing it, I was drawn into his story.
Indicates doing something without having been told or without having learned about it beforehand.
Literally 'without knowing anything'. Used when someone acts completely uninformed about a situation.
He signed the contract without knowing anything.
Direct pattern: 'without knowing X'. The object marked by を is the thing not known.
I grew up without knowing the truth.
Focuses on lack of sensory or situational awareness.
Doing something without comprehending the content or significance.
Literally 'without even understanding the meaning'. Used when someone parrots or follows something without comprehension.
Without knowing the meaning, he just repeated the teacher's words.
Both mean 'without knowing', but 知らずに is more formal and literary, while 知らないで is more colloquial. 知らずに often appears in written language or formal speech.
Please don't interfere without knowing the circumstances.
Don't interfere without knowing the circumstances. (casual)
English 'without knowing' often requires a specific pattern in Japanese depending on what is not known. Simply using 知らずに without an object or clause can be ambiguous. Always clarify what is unknown.
He came without knowing anything.
We talked on without noticing the time passing.