being unknown; not knowing
Only when written 不知
Refers to the state of something being unknown or the act of not knowing. Often used in formal or literary contexts.
Denotes a lack of knowledge or wisdom; can imply foolishness. Used in formal or literary settings.
The truth of the incident remains unknown.
I made a mistake due to ignorance.
total illiteracy; complete inability to read
unaware of one's own actions; acting without realizing
daredevil; reckless; thinking nothing of one's death
Standard kanji form; used for both senses.
Alternate kanji form; less common and may be considered a variant.
Compound of 不 (fu, 'not') and 知 (chi, 'knowing'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the spelling is conventionally associated with the meaning of 'not knowing' or 'ignorance'.