Meaning

Primary

To Know

Alternatives

To Be Aware Of, To Believe

Word Type

ichidan verb

Explanation

This is like a very formal and humble way of saying to know or to believe. Sure, the kanji means suppose, but think of it this way... When you say "I suppose" it's like a humble way of saying "I know" or "I believe." You're not being as direct about it this way, and in Japanese, that makes you more humble and polite. So, that's why 存じる means to know or to believe.

Note this word is typically used in the polite ます form. When you’re humble, you may want to be as polite as possible, I suppose!

Reading

ぞんじる
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

The reading is the same as the one you learned with the kanji. If you remember the kanji reading, you'll have no problem remembering this vocabulary reading as well!

Context

Common Word Combinations

  • 残念に存じる

    to find something regrettable (humble)

    幸せに存じる

    to find something fortunate (humble)

    勝手に存じる

    to know that something is selfish (humble)

Context Sentences

社員たちがしょうきゅうを要求していることは存じておりました。

I was aware that workers were making demands for a pay raise.

つまが弟にお金の返さいを要求していたことは存じませんでした。

I didn't know that my wife had demanded that my brother pay the money back.

年末でお忙しいとは存じますが、この記事を読んで頂ければ嬉しく存じます。

I know that the end of the year is really busy, but I would appreciate it if you could read this article.

Kanji Composition