Vocab point template
Both 知道 (zhīdào) and 认识 (rènshi) are commonly used as verbs, and both can are often translated as “to know.” Both can used in formal/informal settings. This paragraph is a quick summary at the top of every vocabulary point entry.
| 知道 (zhīdào) | 认识 (rènshi) | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | emphasizes knowledge | emphasizes familiarity |
| Part of Speech | verb | verb (mostly) |
| Formality | flexible | flexible |
Contents
For Knowing Facts Use 知道 (zhīdào)
This one is pretty straightforward. 知道 (zhīdào) is only a verb, and means “to have knowledge of.”
Pattern
知道 + Fact
Example Sentences
Only 知道 can be used in the following sentences :
- 你 知道 她的 生日 吗？
- 我 知道 中国 有 很 多 人。
- 你 不 知道 明天 下雨 吗？
- 我 不 知道 为什么。
- 他 知道 自己 错 了。
For New Realizations Use 知道 (zhīdào)
知道 (zhīdào) can also mean “to realize”, or “to become aware” of a person or something heard or said. You're going to see 知道 (zhīdào) used with 了 (le) for this usage.
Pattern
知道 + Fact + 了
Common Phrases
- 知道 了to "get it"
Example Sentences
Only 知道 can be used in the following sentences :
- 好的， 我 知道 了。
For Knowing People Use 认识 (rènshi)
If you want to say "know" a person also use 认识 (rènshi). Use this only to describe knowing a person through direct firsthand experience.
Pattern
认识 + Person
Example Sentences
- 我 认识 她 ， 她 是 我的 朋友。
- 我 不 认识 你。
- 我们 认识 吗？
- 我们 认识 两 年 了。
For Meeting People Use 认识 (rènshi)
If you want to say "meet" (a person for the first time), use 认识 (rènshi). Note that the structure here is basically the same as the "knowing a person" use of 认识 (rènshi), so you'll have to determine based on context whether it's the "know" or "meet" meaning of 认识 (rènshi).
Set Phrases
These sentences work only with 认识 (rènshi), and both mean exactly the same thing.
- 认识 你 很 高兴。Nice to meet you.
- 很 高兴 认识 你。Nice to meet you.
Example Sentences
- 你 和 你的 朋友 是 怎么 认识 的？
- 我们 是 在 法国 认识 的。
For Knowing OF People Use 知道 (zhīdào)
If you want to say "know OF a person (but do not know them personally) use 知道 (zhīdào). In this case you know they exist, or know who they are, but you've never met them, aren't friends with them, etc.
Pattern
知道 + Person
Example Sentences
Note that you don't use 了 (le) in these sentences.
- 我 知道 她 。她 很 有名。
- 中国人 都 知道 孔子。
- 我 知道 她 ，但 我们 不 认识。
For Being Familiar with a Place Use 认识 (rènshi)
If you want to say "know" a place, in the sense of "having some familiarity with a place," use 认识 (rènshi). Usually this means you have seen it with your own eyes; it's more than just having heard of it. This can apply to a place, a route ("the way" to get someplace), or a Chinese character.
Common Pattern
认识 + Place/Thing
Common Phrases
These patterns are commonly used with 认识, but not exclusive to 认识 (and may mean something slightly different if you use 知道 (zhīdào) in these sentences):
- 认识 这个 地方Know a place
- 认识 路Know the way (to get somewhere)
- 认识 这个 字Know this character
For each of these, you could also use 知道 (zhīdào), but the emphasis is different. 认识 (rènshi) emphasizes personal familiarity, whereas 知道 (zhīdào) knowledge of existence.
Example Sentences
- 我 认识 那个 地方。
- 他 不 认识 路。
- 他们 都 不 认识 这个 字。
- 你 认识 这个 汉字 吗？
