素性の知れない人 (sujō no shirenai hito - a person of unknown background)
Grammar & Usage
How it works
This is a complex noun phrase where the relative clause '素性の知れない' modifies the head noun '人' (person). Within the relative clause, the particle 'の' functions as the subject marker (an example of ga-no conversion) attaching to '素性' (birth, identity, background), followed by the negative potential verb '知れない' (cannot be known). It typically carries an inherent nuance of suspicion, caution, or untrustworthiness.
Sample sentences
素性の知れない人に大金を預けるのは危険だ。
It is dangerous to entrust a large sum of money to a person of unknown background.
夜道で素性の知れない人につけられているような気がした。
I felt like I was being followed down the dark street by a suspicious person whose identity I didn't know.
母は私に、素性の知れない人を安易に家に入れてはいけないと教えた。
My mother taught me never to let someone of unknown background into the house lightly.
Quick facts
Mnemonic
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Example
素性の知れない人に大金を預けるのは危険だ。
It is dangerous to entrust a large sum of money to a person of unknown background.
夜道で素性の知れない人につけられているような気がした。
I felt like I was being followed down the dark street by a suspicious person whose identity I didn't know.
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