Meaning and Usage
"知人" (ちじん) refers to a person you know, typically an acquaintance rather than a close friend. It is often used in formal or neutral contexts to indicate someone familiar but not necessarily intimate.
Common Contexts
You will often hear "知人" when talking about introductions, networking, or when referring to someone you know casually. It is less emotional than words like "友達" (friend) and more formal than just saying "人" (person).
Collocations and Patterns
- 知人の紹介 (ちじんのしょうかい): introduction by an acquaintance, commonly used when someone helps you get a job or meet someone.
- 知人に頼む (ちじんにたのむ): to ask an acquaintance for a favor.
- 知人関係 (ちじんかんけい): relationships with acquaintances.
Register and Nuance
"知人" is polite and neutral, suitable for business or polite conversation. It avoids the closeness implied by "友達" and the formality of "面識のある人" (someone you have met).
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "知人" with "友人" (friend) or "友達" (friend). Remember, "知人" is more distant and less emotional than "友人" or "友達". Use "知人" when you want to emphasize acquaintance-level familiarity.