Chinese verb · state · first needed at beginner level (A1)
知道
zhīdào
to know (a fact)
For facts and information: (wǒ zhīdào tā de míngzi, I know his name). To know a person use (rènshi); for a skill you've learned use (huì). In everyday speech is often said in the neutral tone (zhīdao).
Speed:
Basic
基本
Knowing a fact now. is the everyday “I don't know”.
| affirmative | 我知道。Wǒ zhīdào. | |
|---|---|---|
| negative | 我不知道。Wǒ bù zhīdào. | |
| question | 你知道吗？Nǐ zhīdào ma? |
Completed
了
: now you know. Also a quick “Got it” or “OK” when someone tells you something.
| affirmative | 我知道了。Wǒ zhīdào le. | |
|---|---|---|
| negative | 我还不知道。Wǒ hái bù zhīdào. | |
| question | 你知道了吗？Nǐ zhīdào le ma? |
Future and intention
要 / 会
(huì zhīdào): someone will find out.
| affirmative | 你明天就会知道。Nǐ míngtiān jiù huì zhīdào. | |
|---|---|---|
| negative | 他不会知道的。Tā bú huì zhīdào de. | |
| question | 他会知道吗？Tā huì zhīdào ma? |
Examples
- 你知道他叫什么名字吗？Nǐ zhīdào tā jiào shénme míngzi ma?Do you know what he's called?
- 对不起，我不知道。Duìbuqǐ, wǒ bù zhīdào.Sorry, I don't know.
- 好，我知道了。Hǎo, wǒ zhīdào le.OK, got it.