How to Say "I don't know" in Japanese
The most natural way to say "I don't know" in Japanese is わからない. Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.
Other ways to say it
When to use it
You can use this phrase when you genuinely do not have the information someone is asking for. It is appropriate in both casual and formal situations. If you want to express uncertainty, this is a good phrase to use.
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Examples in Japanese
| Japanese | English |
|---|---|
| その問題についてはわからない。 | I don't know about that problem. |
| 彼のことは知らない。 | I don't know him. |
The fastest way to remember it
Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear わからない, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking Japanese with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use this phrase in a formal meeting?
Yes, it is appropriate to use in formal settings as well.
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