(ぞん)じる

ぞんじる
verb (ichidan)
to know; to think (humble)
1. to know (humble)
A humble expression for knowing something. Used when speaking to someone of higher status to lower oneself.
はい、(ぞん)じております。
Yes, I know (humble).
(ぞん)じですか。
Do you know? (honorific to listener)
2. to think; to believe (humble)
A humble way of expressing one's thoughts or opinions.
大変(たいへん)光栄(こうえい)(ぞん)じます。
I feel very honored.

(ぞん)じる is a humble verb (謙譲語(けんじょうご)) for "to know" or "to think."

KEIGO USAGE:

  • (ぞん)じております: I know (ている form, humble)
  • (ぞん)じません: I don't know (humble)
  • (ぞん)じ: honorific form when asking if someone knows

COMMON EXPRESSIONS:

  • (ぞん)()げる: to know (very humble)
  • …と(ぞん)じます: I think that... (formal humble)

ALTERNATE FORM:
(ぞん)ずる is a classical variant still seen in formal contexts.

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