Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.
知らぬ顔の半兵衛 (しらぬかおのはんべえ) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
expression, noun
feigned ignorance ; pretending not to know
Idiomatic expression describing someone who acts as if they know nothing about a matter, often to avoid responsibility or involvement. The name 半兵衛 is a placeholder for a person; the phrase literally means 'Hanbei with an unknowing face'.
あの 人ひと は いつも 知し ら ぬ 顔かお の 半はん 兵べ 衛え で 、 責せき 任にん を 取と ろう と し ない 。
That person always feigns ignorance and never takes responsibility.
Kanji 半 half, middle, odd number 兵 soldier, private, troops Similar words 知し らんぷり 知らんぷり is a more common and casual expression for pretending not to notice or ignoring something, while 知らぬ顔の半兵衛 is a more colorful, idiomatic phrase emphasizing deliberate feigned ignorance.
とぼける とぼける is a verb meaning to play dumb or feign ignorance, often in a more lighthearted or evasive manner, whereas 知らぬ顔の半兵衛 is a noun phrase describing the act or state of pretending not to know.
Etymology The phrase combines 知らぬ顔 (unknowing face) with the common male given name 半兵衛 (Hanbei), creating a personified image of someone who feigns ignorance. The exact origin is uncertain, but it likely arose as a playful, idiomatic expression in colloquial Japanese.
