The Difference Between「存じます」と「知っています」の違い｜Japanese Grammar (N5–N3)

(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.

Joy

はい、その件（けん）については知（し）っています。日程（にってい）も分（わ）かります。 (Yes, I “know” about that matter. I “understand” the schedule too.)

Ken

Joyさん、お客様には存（ぞん）じておりますを使いましょう。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

Subject (Who?)	Japanese	Type
Me (Speaking to Superior)	存じております (Zonjite orimasu)	Humble (Kenjougo)
You (The Superior)	ご存じです (Go-zonji desu)	Honorific (Sonkeigo)
Me/You (Friends)	知っています (Shitteimasu)	Standard (Teineigo)

🚧 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.)