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.
Describes doing something while unaware of a certain fact or situation.
Attaches to a clause (often a noun or nominalized phrase) to mean 'without knowing that...'. Used when the subject is unaware of the following fact.
彼が結婚しているとも知らずに、デートに誘ってしまった。
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.
それが最後の会話とは知らずに、軽く別れの挨拶をした。
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.
知らず知らずのうちに、彼の話に引き込まれていた。
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.
彼は何も知らずにその契約書にサインした。
He signed the contract without knowing anything.
Direct pattern: 'without knowing X'. The object marked by を is the thing not known.
真実を知らずに育った。
I grew up without knowing the truth.
Focuses on lack of sensory or situational awareness.
From 気づく (to notice). Means 'without noticing' or 'unaware'. Used for failing to perceive something.
彼は私が部屋に入ったことに気づかずに、本を読み続けた。
Without noticing I had entered the room, he kept reading his book.
Pattern: 'without noticing X'. The thing unnoticed is marked by に.
時間が経つのに気づかずに話し込んだ。
We talked on without noticing the time passing.
Doing something without comprehending the content or significance.
Literally 'without even understanding the meaning'. Used when someone parrots or follows something without comprehension.
彼は意味もわからずに、ただ先生の言葉を繰り返した。
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.
事情を知らずに口を出さないでください。
Please don't interfere without knowing the circumstances.
事情を知らないで口を出さないで。
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.
彼は何も知らずに来た。
He came without knowing anything.