“Just So You Know” – Meaning Explained (With Examples)

In conversing with others, we exchange a limitless amount of information endlessly. Even without us asking for it, sometimes others share information with us, just so we know about it. But, wait, what does ‘just so you know’ even mean? Let’s find out.

What Does ‘Just So You Know’ Mean?

‘Just so you know’ is another way of saying ‘for your information.’ We use this phrase when we share information with someone without them necessarily asking for it. It’s sharing information that we wanted to share, not something the other person asked.

In the phrase, ‘just’ means ‘only.’ Replacing ‘just’ with ‘only,’ ‘only so you know’ means that the one purpose of sharing with you the information is for you to know it or be aware of it. It does not mean answering a question or a request. It’s simply sharing something for the sole purpose of letting the other person know about it.

‘So’ is an adverb that connects and makes the phrase more cohesive. Here, ‘so’ means ‘in order that’ or ‘for,’ elaborating on the purpose of the message the speaker is trying to say. We then connect ‘so’ with ‘you know.’ ‘You know’ is then the speaker’s goal to make the other person know or be aware of the information the speaker is about to share.

Combining all the parts, we can say that ‘just so you know’ means the speaker is sharing the information with another person solely to let the other person know about it.

We also use this phrase to provide transparency, especially within a team or organization. Saying ‘just so you know’ in this context means that, while the other person does not need to do anything about the information, the speaker is sharing it for the person to be aware of what is going on with their part.

Examples Of How To Use ‘Just So You Know’ In A Sentence

Below are examples of how we use ‘just so you know’ in a sentence.

1. Hi, Mr. Martin. Just so you know, our team might pass our project late due to technical difficulties with uploading the video.
2. Just so you know, it wasn’t me who threw your files in the bin. It’s probably one of the new interns who did it, so don’t blame me.
3. I’m still the boss here, just so you know. You still need to follow my instructions. I get to decide what you need to do.
4. I’ve already thrown out the trash, just so you know. I figured you were too busy to do it, so I did it myself instead.
5. Just so you know, I didn’t come here to joke around. We need to get things done. We are not even halfway there with our progress.
6. Hey, just so you know, I already fixed the printer. I think it can print fine now. You can try it out.
7. Blake, I already forwarded the emails to the organizers, just so you know. I’ll also inform you if any of them responds to our letter.

Is It Polite Or Rude To Say ‘Just So You Know?’

‘Just so you know’ may be polite or rude, depending on the context the speaker uses it. It could simply mean sharing information. However, it could also mean something offensive to the other person. It greatly depends on the tone and the context of the situation.

While not necessarily rude, many interpret the phrase as a passive-aggressive way of expressing that ‘I’m not obliged to explain myself to you, but I’m going to do so to warn you.’ On the other hand, some don’t think it’s rude at all. It means ‘I’m sharing this information simply to let you know.’ Either way, it depends on the context and the emotions with which you are saying the phrase.

Does ‘Just So You Know’ And ‘Just To Let You Know’ Mean The Same?

‘Just so you know’ and ‘just to let you know’ are the same. Both ‘so’ and ‘to let’ express the speaker’s purpose to let the other person know about the information. Since ‘so’ and ‘to let’ have a similar purpose, the two phrases also mean the same and are interchangeable.

Take a look at the two examples below.

• Just so you know, I’m taking a day of tomorrow.
• Just to let you know, I’m taking a day of tomorrow.

Both sentences mean that the speaker wants to let the other person know that he/she/they are taking a day off tomorrow.

Are ‘Just So You Know’ And ‘Just As You Know’ Interchangeable?

‘Just so you know’ and ‘just as you know’ are not interchangeable. The two phrases can be confusing when interchanged since ‘just so you know’ implies sharing information with someone while ‘just as you know’ expresses a reiteration of what the other person knows already.

Below is a an example of using the two phrases.

• Just so you know, I’m not a good cook. So, I’m going to leave the cooking to you.
• Cook the meal just as you know how to. I chose an easy recipe for you to follow if you get lost.

The first sentence informs the other person that the speaker is not a good cook, while the second sentence tells the other person to cook the meal in a way that he/she/they previously know/s of already. This is how the two phrases are different.

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12 Formal Ways To Say “Just So You Know”

7 Polite Ways To Say “As You Know”