知っておくといい
shitte oku to ii
The English phrase "good to know" is translated into Japanese as 知っておくといい (shitte oku to ii).
This phrase is used to acknowledge that a piece of information is useful for future reference or preparation.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is built from the verb shiru (to know), the auxiliary oku (to do in preparation) and the conditional to ii (it is good if). The verb part shitte oku means to learn something and keep that knowledge for future use.
Which one should you use?
In casual speech, shitte oku to often contracts to shittoku to and is followed by the particle yo for emphasis to create 知っとくといいよ.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
To make the phrase polite and suitable for conversation with superiors or strangers, you can add desu ne to the end, resulting in 知っておくといいですね. In informal settings, you can use the contracted version 知っとくといいよ.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase follows a conditional structure meaning "it is good if (one) knows (it)".
How do you pronounce it?
shitte oku to ii
Did you know?
- The auxiliary verb oku used in 知っておくといい is the same word used for 'to put' or 'to place' an object. In this context, it metaphorically 'places' knowledge in your mind to be retrieved later.
- While English speakers use 'good to know' as a standalone reaction, using the full shitte oku to ii in a professional setting can sometimes sound like you are giving unsolicited advice. To avoid sounding condescending, it is often safer to use a more formal expression of gratitude for the information.
- While 知っておくといい is a direct translation, Japanese speakers often use the phrase 勉強になります meaning 'I am learning' to convey the same sentiment of finding information useful in professional settings.
Examples in context
- その話【はなし】、参考【さんこう】になります。That story will be helpful as a reference.
- その情報【じょうほう】、覚【おぼ】えとくよ。I'll keep that information in mind.
- それは知っておくといいですね。Sore wa shitte oku to ii desu ne.That is good to know.
- このルールは知っておくといいよ。Kono ruru wa shitte oku to ii yo.It's good to know this rule.
- あらかじめ知っておくといい情報です。Arakajime shitte oku to ii jouhou desu.It is information that is good to know in advance.
Example conversation
Ren tells Himari about a shortcut to the station.
- 蓮 Renこっちの道の方が早くて便利だよ。Kocchi no michi no hō ga hayakute benri da yo.This way is faster and more convenient.
- 陽葵 Himari本当だね。知っておくといい情報だね。Hontō da ne. Shitte oku to ii jōhō da ne.You're right. That's good information to know.
- 蓮 Ren雨の日でも歩いて行けるしね。Ame no hi demo aruite ikeru shi ne.And you can walk it even on rainy days.
- 陽葵 Himariありがとう、蓮君。Arigatō, Ren-kun.Thanks, Ren.
