常識
jōshiki[d͡ʑo̞ːɕikʲi]
The English phrase "common knowledge" is translated into Japanese as 常識 (jōshiki).
常識 refers to that which is known by most people.
Meaning: that which is known by most people (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 常識 is composed of 常, meaning always or constant and 識, meaning knowledge or discernment.
How do you pronounce it?
jōshiki
What mistakes should you avoid?
While 常識 can be translated as "common knowledge", be aware that in Japanese it often carries a stronger connotation of "socially acceptable behavior" or "social norms".
Did you know?
- The word 常識 is frequently used in the phrase 社会常識 ('social common sense'), which refers to an unwritten set of rules for professionalism and etiquette that students often study specifically for job interviews.
- In a professional setting, telling someone they lack 常識 is a serious personal insult rather than a simple observation. It implies the person is socially incompetent or lacks the basic manners required to function in society.
- The character 識 in 常識 is also used in the word 意識 ('consciousness'), linking the idea of social norms to a state of mental awareness.
Examples in context
- 一般常識よ。It's common knowledge.This sentence is useful for expressing that something is common knowledge using the word 常識.Tatoeba #11633839 by small_snow, translation #8831825 by sundown
- 全員が理解できるであろう共通の知識は何ですか？What is the common knowledge that everyone will likely understand?
- 一般常識として、日本の国旗は赤と白で構成されています。As common knowledge, the Japanese flag consists of red and white.
- それは社会の常識です。Sore wa shakai no jōshiki desu.That is common knowledge in society.
- 常識を身につけるべきだ。Jōshiki o mi ni tsukeru beki da.One should acquire common sense.
Example conversation
Youta and Yui are talking about table manners.
- 陽太 Yota箸を立てるのはマナー違反だよ。Hashi o tateru no wa manaa ihan da yo.Sticking chopsticks upright is a breach of etiquette.
- 結衣 Yui知らなかった。常識だったんだね。Shiranakatta. Joushiki datta n da ne.I didn't know. That was common knowledge, wasn't it?
- 陽太 Yotaうん、日本では常識だよ。Un, Nihon de wa joushiki da yo.Yeah, it's common knowledge in Japan.
- 結衣 Yui陽太に教えてもらえてよかった。Youta ni oshiete moraete yokatta.I'm glad Youta told me.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 常識, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
