知らない人と

shiranai hito to
with strangers

知らない人と話すのは緊張します。

I get nervous talking with strangers.


informal

Together with people one does not know; in the company of strangers.

知らない人と一緒に旅行するのは楽しいです。

Traveling with strangers is fun.

知らない人と話すときは気をつけてください。

Please be careful when talking with strangers.

Commonly used in contexts involving social interactions, safety advice, or travel experiences.

Collocations

知らない人と会うto meet strangers知らない人と話すto talk with strangers知らない人と仲良くなるto befriend strangers

Related Phrases

Pro Tip

Avoiding Miscommunication

In Japanese, the phrase '知らない人' (shiranai hito) can sound blunt or impolite if used directly with strangers. Instead, use polite forms like 'お知り合いの方' (oshiriai no kata, 'someone you know') or 'ご存知の方' (gozonji no kata, 'someone you know') when referring to acquaintances in formal contexts.

Gold Rule

Context Matters

Always consider the context when using this phrase. For example, in a travel setting, it might imply excitement about meeting new people, while in a safety context, it could imply caution.

Word Origin

知らない (shiranai) is the negative form of 知る (shiru, 'to know'), and 人 (hito) means 'person'. The particle と (to) indicates accompaniment or association. The phrase literally means 'with people one does not know'.

Usage Notes

This phrase is typically used in contexts where caution or curiosity is implied, such as travel, social gatherings, or safety advice. It is neutral in tone and does not carry negative connotations by itself.

Word Breakdown

知らない
do not know
verb (negative form)
+
人
person
noun
+
と
with (particle indicating association)
particle
和英辞典