![(Alt Text: Joy using humble Keigo [Zonjimasu] vs. Joy using standard Japanese [Shitteimasu])](https://jplt-dialogplus.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/ChatGPT-Image-Jan-20-2026-10_58_34-AM.png)
(Joy using humble Keigo [Zonjimasu] vs. Joy using standard Japanese [Shitteimasu])
“I know about that.”
In Japanese business, saying “Shitteimasu” to a client can sound childish or too direct. You need to use 存じております (Zonjite orimasu). But be careful! If you use this word for a question, it becomes rude. Let’s master this tricky Keigo with Joy and Ken!
🗣 Conversation Scene
Joy is talking to a client on the phone.
日程（にってい）も 分（わ）かります。
(Yes, I “know” about that matter. I “understand” the schedule too.)
もっとプロフェッショナルに聞こえますよ！
(Joy, use “Zonjite orimasu” for clients. It sounds much more professional!)
💡 Explanation
Distinguish between “My Knowledge” (Humble) and “Your Knowledge” (Honorific).
Point 1: Shitteimasu (知っています) = Standard
Use for: Friends, Family, Colleagues
This is polite (Teineigo) but neutral. Using it with a client is not “wrong,” but it is not “business class.”
- 田中さんを 知っています。
(I know Mr. Tanaka.)
Point 2: Zonjite orimasu (存じております) = Humble
Use for: Clients, Bosses, Elders
“Zonjiru” is the humble form of “to know” or “to think.”
Use 存じております when you want to say “I know (a person/fact).”
Use 存じます when you want to say “I think/feel.”
- お名前は 存じております。
(I [humbly] know your name.) - 光栄（こうえい）に 存じます。
(I feel honored. [Thinking/Feeling])
Point 3: Go-zonji desu (ご存じです) = Honorific
Use for: The LISTENER’S knowledge
If you ask “Do you know?”, you must raise the listener.
- 社長は ご存じ ですか？
(Does the President know?)
📊 Comparison Table
🚧 Joy’s Mistake
(Asking the President a question)
❌ Wrong: 社長、このニュースを 存じていますか？
(Big mistake! “Zonjiru” is humble. If you use it for the President, you are treating him like a subordinate!)
✅ Right: 社長、このニュースを ご存じですか？
(Use “Go-zonji” to show respect to his knowledge.)
🔥 Practice Quiz
Tap to check the answer!
