我知道
wǒ zhīdào
In Chinese, "I know" is expressed as 我知道 (wǒ zhīdào).
The phrase is used to assert that the speaker possesses an answer or an idea.
Meaning: assertion that speaker has answer or idea (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The component 知道 (zhīdào) means "to know" or "to be aware of" a fact or information.
Which one should you use?
Use 我知道 when you know facts or information. If you are talking about knowing a person, or being familiar with characters or words, you should use 认识 (rènshi) instead. Additionally, while 我知道 is a general assertion, adding the particle 了 (le) to create 我知道了 changes the nuance to "I understand now" or "I've caught on," typically used in response to receiving new information.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase 我知道 can be followed directly by a clause, such as "he is busy," without needing a separate word for "that" to connect the two parts.
How do you pronounce it?
wǒ zhīdào
Did you know?
- The word 道 (dào) in 我知道 is the same word used in 'Taoism'. It represents the fundamental nature of the universe and the 'way' things work.
- In many contexts, saying 我知道了 can sound like you are impatient or trying to end the conversation, as it signals that the information is now 'processed' and no further explanation is needed.
- Using 我知道 (wǒ zhīdào) repetitively in a conversation can sound like you are arguing. To show you are listening without being confrontational, speakers often use 'mmm' or 嗯 (èn) instead.
Examples in context
- 我知道事实。I know the facts.This example shows how to use 我知道 to express knowing facts.Tatoeba #5624984 by verdastelo9604, translation #8823114 by CK
- 我知道问题。I know the problem.This example shows how to use 我知道 to express knowing a problem.Tatoeba #5691245 by verdastelo9604, translation #2376148 by CK
- 我知道他忙。I know that he was busy.This example shows how 我知道 can be followed by a clause.Tatoeba #5905027 by verdastelo9604, translation #284179 by CK
- 我知道你的问题。I know your question.
- 我完全了解你的观点。I fully understand your point of view.
- 我明白你的困境。I understand your predicament.
- 没关系，我知道了。No worries, I got it.
- 好了，我懂了。Okay, I got it now.
- 知道了，我很清楚。Got it, I understand clearly.
- 268 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A man and a woman are discussing directions to a restaurant.
- 伟 Wei你知道餐厅在哪儿吗？Nǐ zhīdào cāntīng zài nǎ'er ma?Do you know where the restaurant is?
- 梓涵 Zihan我知道，就在那边。Wǒ zhīdào, jiù zài nà biān.I know, it's right over there.
- 伟 Wei我们要走多久？Wǒmen yào zǒu duōjiǔ?How long will we walk?
- 梓涵 Zihan很快就到了。Hěn kuài jiù dào le.We will arrive very soon.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
