「存じる」- Humble Form

Explanation

「存じる」（ぞんじるぞんじる） is the humble form of 「知る」（しるしる）, used to express knowing something or someone in a more humble and polite manner. This form is widely used in both business and everyday conversations.

Grammar Pattern

Grammar Point	Connection	Explanation
N + を存じる / 存じております	Noun + を存じる / 存じております	Used to express knowing a piece of information, a fact, or a person.

Basic Usage

Knowing Something

• Example:
  • その件そのけんについて存じております。
  • Sono ken ni tsuite zonjite orimasu.
  • I am aware of that matter.
    

• 私わたしはその事そのことを存じ上げております。
• Watashi wa sono koto o zonjiagete orimasu.
• I am aware of that matter.
  

Knowing Someone

• Example:
  • 田中たなかさんを存じ上げております。
  • Tanaka-san o zonjiagete orimasu.
  • I am acquainted with Mr. Tanaka.
    

• 彼女かのじょのことは存じております。
• Kanojo no koto wa zonjite orimasu.
• I am aware of her.
  

Advanced Usage

Combined with Other Honorifics

• Example:
  • お名前なまえを存じ上げておりますが、初はじめてお目めにかかります。
  • O-namae o zonjiagete orimasu ga, hajimete o-me ni kakarimasu.
  • I know your name, but this is our first meeting.
    

• その件そのけんについては存じておりますが、詳細しょうさいは分わかりかねます。
• Sono ken ni tsuite wa zonjite orimasu ga, shousai wa wakarikanemasu.
• I am aware of that matter, but I am not familiar with the details.
  

Deep Dive

「存じる」 is not limited to simply knowing or being acquainted with someone. In different contexts, it can carry deeper meanings. Using 「存じる」 in daily conversations and business settings effectively conveys respect for others and a humble attitude.

Comparison and Differences

「知る」 vs. 「存じる」

Vocabulary	Usage	Context
知る（しるしる）	Neutral term, used with peers or juniors	Casual settings
存じる（ぞんじるぞんじる）	Humble term, used with superiors or clients	Formal settings

• Example:
  • あなたあなたのことを知っています。
  • Anata no koto o shitteimasu.
  • I know you.
    

• あなたあなたのことを存じ上げております。
• Anata no koto o zonjiagete orimasu.
• I am aware of you.
  

Real-Life Scenarios

• In a business meeting, introducing your company to a client:

  • 会社かいしゃのことを存じております。
  • Kaisha no koto o zonjite orimasu.
  • I am aware of your company.
    

• In a social setting, meeting a friend of an acquaintance for the first time:

  • お名前なまえを存じ上げておりますが、初はじめてお目めにかかります。
  • O-namae o zonjiagete orimasu ga, hajimete o-me ni kakarimasu.
  • I know your name, but this is our first meeting.
    

Summary

「存じる」, as the humble form of 「知る」, is suitable for various formal and polite situations. Mastering its usage and distinctions helps in demonstrating humility and politeness in Japanese conversations.