When do you use 知道 vs 認識 when discussing when you know someone or some thing?

Question

When you meet someone you're supposed to use 認識 as in 很高興知道你, but someone said you can also use 知道 when talking about people or places.

For example, "I know that place" or "I know that person."

When discussing whether you know some person or some place (e.g., restaurant), what are the rules governing when you should use 知道 or 認識?

Answer 1

Normally we use 认识 when we say: I know this person. And we use 知道 when we say: I know this place.

知道 vs 认识:

1. About "people":

   • 知道: Emphasis unilateral;
   • 认识: Emphasis bilateral.

   

2. 知道 can always be used about knowledge or information.

You can check this Hanbridge Chinese video about how to differentiate the 知道 and 认识.

Answer 2

知道 means you have idea about something.

认识 means you have seen something, so you can recognize it.

So I 知道 president Trump, But I don't 认识 him. (in life)

And I 知道 White House, and I won't say I 认识 it or not. Because I have never been there, it does not make too much sense only seen it in photo.