Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing 'acquaintance' depends on the level of closeness and context. The most common word is 知り合い, but other terms like 知人 and 顔見知り convey different nuances. This guide helps learners choose the right expression.
Referring to someone you have met and know, but are not particularly close to.
The most common and neutral word for an acquaintance. It can be used in both casual and formal situations.
彼は仕事の知り合いです。
He is a work acquaintance.
知り合いからその話を聞きました。
I heard that story from an acquaintance.
A slightly more formal term for an acquaintance. Often used in written language or polite speech.
彼は私の知人です。
He is an acquaintance of mine.
Literally 'face-knowing', this refers to someone you know by sight but may not have spoken to much. It implies a very casual level of acquaintance.
彼はただの顔見知りです。
He's just a casual acquaintance.
Describing the relationship or connection itself, rather than the person.
A phrase meaning 'to be acquainted'. It is neutral and can be used in various contexts.
私たちは知り合いです。
We are acquaintances.
Means 'to have met someone' or 'to be acquainted'. It emphasizes having met in person. Often used in formal contexts.
彼とは面識があります。
I am acquainted with him.
Means 'to become acquainted' or 'to get to know someone'.
彼と知り合いになりました。
I became acquainted with him.
Expressing the act of meeting someone for the first time and starting an acquaintance.
The verb meaning 'to get to know each other' or 'to become acquainted'.
彼と知り合ったのは去年です。
I got to know him last year.
A polite expression meaning 'to make someone's acquaintance'. Used in formal introductions.
お近づきになれて光栄です。
I am honored to make your acquaintance.
知り合い (acquaintance) is used for people you know but are not close to, while 友達 (friend) implies a closer relationship. Using 友達 for a mere acquaintance can sound overly familiar.
彼は友達ではなく、知り合いです。
He's not a friend, just an acquaintance.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches all uses of 'acquaintance'. The word 知人 is closer to 'acquaintance' in formality, but 知り合い is more common in everyday speech. Using 知人 in casual conversation may sound stiff.