見当もつきません
kentō mo tsukimasen
The English phrase "I have no idea" is expressed in Japanese as 見当もつきません (kentō mo tsukimasen).
This phrase is used to say that you do not know the answer to something at all.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase contains the word 見当 (kentō), which means a guess, clue or an estimate.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
見当もつきません is polite and suitable for use with superiors or in professional settings. To emphasize a complete lack of understanding in a formal way, you can use さっぱり分かりません or use the casual version さっぱりわからない to achieve the same emphasis.
How do you pronounce it?
kentō mo tsukimasen
Did you know?
- The word さっぱり (sappari), used in さっぱり分かりません, originally describes a refreshing feeling or a clean taste.
- While English speakers often say 'I have no idea' with a shrug, Japanese social etiquette often requires a slight tilt of the head or a look of regret to signal that your lack of knowledge is not due to a lack of effort.
- The word 見当 (kentō) originates from the practice of checking one's position by looking at the surrounding landscape to determine a direction.
Examples in context
- 申し訳ありません、その質問については分かりません。I'm sorry, but I have no idea about that question.
- ごめんなさい、全くさっぱり分かりません。Sorry, I have absolutely no idea.
- ごめん、それについては分からない。Sorry, I have no idea about that.
- ごめん、全然分かんない。Sorry, I really don't know.
- 犯人が誰なのか、見当もつきません。Hannin ga dare nano ka, kentou mo tsukimasen.I have no idea who the culprit is.
- 故障の原因については、見当もつきません。Koshou no gen'in ni tsuite wa, kentou mo tsukimasen.I have no idea about the cause of the breakdown.
- あのお店の場所は、見当もつきません。Ano omise no basho wa, kentou mo tsukimasen.I have no idea where that shop is located.
Example conversation
Misaki and Kenta are looking for a lost key.
- 美咲 Misaki鍵をどこに置いたか覚えている？Kagi o doko ni oita ka oboete iru?Do you remember where you put the key?
- 健太 Kentaいいえ、見当もつきません。Iie, kentō mo tsukimasen.No, I have no idea.
- 美咲 Misakiもう一度探してみよう。Mō ichido sagashite miyō.Let's try looking for it one more time.
- 健太 Kentaそうだね。手伝うよ。Sō da ne. Tetsudau yo.You're right. I'll help you.
