The Basic Meanings of ‘Shiru’ and ‘Wakaru’
What Does ‘Shiru’ (知る) Mean?
‘Shiru’ means “to become aware of” or “to get to know.” It refers to the moment you learn or find out something for the first time. It is not used for expressing ongoing or general knowledge but instead the act of coming to know a fact or piece of information.
What Does ‘Wakaru’ (分かる) Mean?
‘Wakaru’ is used to indicate “understanding” or “comprehension.” This verb conveys that you grasp the meaning or concept of something. It is about understanding rather than just being aware of a fact.
Key Differences Between ‘Shiru’ and ‘Wakaru’
1. Awareness vs. Understanding
‘Shiru’ is about becoming aware of something new — you find out, hear, or learn about it. For example, the first time you hear someone’s name, you use ‘shiru.’ On the other hand, ‘wakaru’ is about comprehending or understanding information, a situation, or a concept. If you understand how a machine works, you use ‘wakaru.’
2. Usage in Sentences
‘Shiru’ is rarely used in the present tense to mean “I know.” Instead, Japanese speakers use the negative form ‘shiranai’ (知らない) to mean “I don’t know.” For “I know,” it is more natural to use ‘wakaru’ or expressions like ‘shitteiru’ (知っている), which means “to be in the state of knowing.”
‘Wakaru’ is frequently used in both positive and negative forms: ‘wakarimasu’ (わかります) for “I understand” and ‘wakarimasen’ (わかりません) for “I don’t understand.”
3. Examples in Context
- ‘Shiru’: Watashi wa sono hito o shirimasen. (私はその人を知りません。) – “I don’t know that person.”
- ‘Wakaru’: Eigo ga wakarimasu ka? (英語が分かりますか？) – “Do you understand English?”
- ‘Shitteiru’: Kono uta o shitteimasu. (この歌を知っています。) – “I know this song.”
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
One of the most common mistakes learners make is using ‘shiru’ when they should use ‘wakaru,’ or vice versa. Remember, use ‘shiru’ when you are talking about learning or finding out about something for the first time. Use ‘wakaru’ when you want to say that you understand or comprehend something.
Another important point is the use of ‘shitteiru’ (知っている), the continuous form of ‘shiru,’ which means “to know” as an ongoing state. For example, “I know Tokyo” would be ‘Tokyo o shitteimasu’ (東京を知っています).
Quick Reference Table
| Verb | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Shiru (知る) | To find out, to become aware of | Watashi wa sono jouhou o shitta. (I found out that information.) |
| Shitteiru (知っている) | To know (state of knowing) | Kare o shitteimasu. (I know him.) |
| Wakaru (分かる) | To understand, to comprehend | Nihongo ga wakarimasu. (I understand Japanese.) |
Tips for Mastering ‘Shiru’ and ‘Wakaru’
- Pay attention to context. If you’re talking about understanding concepts, use ‘wakaru.’ If you’re talking about knowing people or facts, use ‘shitteiru.’
- Practice with native speakers or language partners. Apps like Talkpal can connect you with conversation partners and AI tutors to help reinforce correct usage in real-life situations.
- Listen to Japanese media, such as dramas and news, to hear how native speakers use these verbs.
Conclusion
Distinguishing between ‘shiru’ and ‘wakaru’ is a vital step for anyone learning Japanese. While both verbs can be translated as “to know,” their actual meanings and uses are quite different. ‘Shiru’ is about acquiring new knowledge or information, while ‘wakaru’ is about understanding or comprehending something. Remember to use ‘shitteiru’ for the ongoing state of knowing. By practicing their usage and paying attention to context, you will be able to express yourself more naturally in Japanese. For more tips and resources on mastering Japanese, check out the Talkpal AI language learning blog and take your language skills to the next level!
