知り合い

• Reading: しりあい
• Romaji: shiriai
• Kanji breakdown: 知 (shi) — know; 合 (ai) — meet, mutual
• Pronunciation: /ɕi.ɾi.a.i/

Meaning

Acquaintance. Someone you know but who is not a close friend.

A noun derived from the verb 知り合う (to get to know each other). Refers to someone you have met and recognise but with whom you do not have a deep relationship. Distinguished from 友達 (friend) by the lesser degree of closeness. Often used in introductions and social contexts.

Examples

1. 駅前で知り合いに会った。 I ran into an acquaintance in front of the station.
2. 彼は父の知り合いです。 He is an acquaintance of my father's.
3. 知り合いに医者がいるので聞いてみる。 I know a doctor, so I'll ask them about it.

Usage Guide

Context: social life, introductions, daily conversation

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Derived from the mutual verb 知り合う (to get to know each other), combining 知る (to know) with 合う (to meet, to come together). The noun form captures the state of knowing someone.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal