世間知らず

• Reading: せけんしらず
• Romaji: seken shirazu
• Kanji breakdown: 世 (se/yo) — world, generation; 間 (ken/ma) — between, space, society; 知 (chi/shi) — to know; らず (razu) — classical negative ending
• Pronunciation: /se.keɴ.ɕi.ɾa.zɯ/

Meaning

Ignorant of the ways of the world; naive; inexperienced; unworldly.

Used to describe someone who lacks practical knowledge of social norms, the working world, or human nature — often due to a sheltered upbringing or limited life experience. Can be used descriptively or as a mild criticism. The opposite concept is 世慣れ (yonaré, worldly-wise). Common in everyday speech.

Examples

1. 彼は世間知らずで、社会の厳しさをまだ理解していない。 He is naive and has yet to understand the harsh realities of society.
2. 大学を出たばかりの世間知らずな新入社員が多かった。 There were many unworldly new employees fresh out of university.
3. 世間知らずなまま年を取るのは、本人にとっても損だ。 Growing old without ever learning the ways of the world is a disadvantage for the person themselves.

Usage Guide

Context: social commentary, character description, everyday speech

Tone: mildly critical

Origin & History

Compound of 世間 (the world, society, public) and 知らず (not knowing). 世間 originally referred to the Buddhist concept of the mundane world, and the phrase captures the idea of someone unaware of how that world operates.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal