伝える

The Japanese verb 伝える (tsutaeru) is a fundamental transitive verb that serves as the cornerstone for communication in Japanese society. At its core, it means 'to convey,' 'to report,' or 'to tell.' However, unlike the simple verb 言う (iu - to say), which focuses on the act of vocalizing words, 伝える emphasizes the successful transmission of information, feelings, or traditions from one party to another. It implies a bridge being built between the sender and the receiver. In a culture that values the flow of information and social harmony (wa), knowing how to use this word correctly is essential for both daily life and professional environments.

Semantic Range

The word covers everything from leaving a simple telephone message to passing down ancient cultural traditions through generations. It is used when you want to make sure someone receives a specific piece of news, a feeling of gratitude, or a set of instructions.

In business, 伝える is used when reporting to superiors or passing instructions to subordinates. It carries a nuance of responsibility; the speaker is not just talking, but ensuring the message is delivered. If you tell a colleague, 'Please tell the boss,' you would use this verb to ensure the information actually reaches the intended destination. This 'reaching' aspect is what distinguishes it from other communication verbs. It is also the root for the word 伝説 (densetsu - legend), literally meaning a story that has been 'conveyed' through time.

Social Context

In Japanese etiquette, 'tsutaeru' is often used in humble and polite forms. When you are the one conveying information to a superior, you might use 'otsutae shimasu' to show respect. This demonstrates that you acknowledge the importance of the information and the status of the recipient.

Furthermore, 伝える can be used for non-verbal communication. You can 'convey' an atmosphere, a vibe, or even heat and energy in scientific contexts. For instance, a painting might 'convey' the sadness of the artist. This versatility makes it one of the most powerful verbs for expressing the movement of abstract concepts from one place to another. It bridges the gap between the internal world of thoughts and the external world of shared understanding.

Historical Nuance

The kanji 伝 (den) originally depicted a person and a spool of thread, symbolizing the continuous line of transmission. This historical background reinforces the idea that 'tsutaeru' is about continuity and ensuring that nothing is lost in the process of communication.

In conclusion, 伝える is more than just 'telling.' It is the act of ensuring that a message, a feeling, or a tradition successfully reaches its destination and takes root. Whether in a text message, a business report, or a cultural legacy, this verb captures the essence of human connection through communication.

Mastering the usage of 伝える (tsutaeru) requires an understanding of its grammatical framework and the specific particles that govern its flow. As a transitive verb (ta-doushi), it always requires an object—the information or thing being conveyed. The standard sentence pattern is [Person A] ga [Person B] ni [Information] o tsutaeru. This clearly defines the source, the recipient, and the content of the communication.

The 'Ni' Particle

The recipient of the message is marked with 'ni'. This is crucial because it indicates the direction of the transmission. Without 'ni', the sentence can become ambiguous. For example, 'Tanaka-san ni tsutaeru' means 'Tell Tanaka-san.'

When the information being conveyed is a quote or a specific phrase, the particle と (to) is used instead of を (o). This is common when passing on messages like 'Please tell him I'll be late.' The pattern becomes [Message] to tsutaeru. This is a very natural way to report speech in Japanese.

The 'To' Particle for Quotes

Use 'to' when you are conveying a specific statement or thought. It functions like quotation marks in English. For example, 'Ashita iku to tsutaete' means 'Please tell them that I am going tomorrow.'

In formal settings, 伝える often appears in its potential form, 伝えられる (tsutaerareru - can convey), or its passive form, 伝えられている (tsutaerarete iru - is said/is conveyed). The passive form is frequently used by news anchors or historians to describe information that has been passed down or reported by others without naming a specific source.

Conveying Abstract Concepts

When using 'tsutaeru' for feelings or atmospheres, the object is usually an abstract noun like 'kimochi' (feeling), 'omoi' (thoughts/desires), or 'fun'iki' (atmosphere). This usage is very common in literature and emotional conversations.

Another important structure is the causative-passive form, though rare at A2, it's good to recognize. More commonly, you'll see 伝え忘れる (tsutaewasureru - to forget to tell). This compound verb is extremely useful in daily life when you realize you didn't pass on a message. The 'wasureru' suffix can be attached to the stem 'tsutae-' to create this meaning.

Finally, consider the intransitive counterpart 伝わる (tsutawaru). While 伝える is what YOU do (to convey), 伝わる is what the message DOES (to be conveyed/to get through). If you say 'Omoi ga tsutawaru,' it means 'My feelings got through to them.' Understanding this pair will significantly improve your Japanese fluency.

The verb 伝える (tsutaeru) is ubiquitous in Japanese life, appearing in various registers from casual street talk to the most formal news broadcasts. If you are in Japan, you will hear this word multiple times a day. It is the lifeblood of information exchange. Let's look at specific scenarios where this word is most prominent.

In the Office

In a Japanese company, clear communication is vital. You will hear phrases like 'Buchou ni tsutaete oite' (Tell the manager in advance) or 'Go-renraku o otsutae shimasu' (I will convey the contact information). It's used for memos, reporting progress, and handling phone calls for absent colleagues.

On the news, 伝える is the standard verb for reporting. News anchors often begin segments by saying 'Kyou no nyuusu o otsutae shimasu' (We will now report today's news). In this context, it carries a sense of authority and objective delivery. You might also hear 'Tsutaerarete iru tokoro ni yoru to...' (According to what is being reported...), which is a common way to cite rumors or unconfirmed reports.

In Customer Service

If you are at a hotel or restaurant and ask to speak to the manager, the staff might say, 'O-yobi shite, o-tsutae shimasu' (I will call them and convey your request). It shows that your message is being handled with care.

In anime and dramas, the word is often used during emotional climaxes. Characters might struggle to 'tsutaeru' their love or true feelings. You'll hear lines like 'Zutto tsutaetakatta' (I've wanted to tell you for a long time) or 'Kono omoi, kimi ni tsutaetai' (I want to convey these feelings to you). In these cases, the word is heavy with emotion and sincerity.

On Public Transport

Announcements on trains sometimes use 'tsutaeru' when informing passengers about delays or changes in service caused by external factors. 'Joukyou o tsutaeru' (Reporting the situation) is a common phrase in these announcements.

Lastly, in documentaries or museum exhibits, you'll see 伝える used to describe the preservation of history. 'Rekishi o kousei ni tsutaeru' (To pass history down to future generations) is a frequent and solemn expression. This highlights the word's role in the continuity of Japanese culture and identity. From a quick 'I'll tell him' to the preservation of a nation's history, 伝える is everywhere.

While 伝える (tsutaeru) is a common word, English speakers often make several characteristic mistakes when using it. These usually stem from the differences between how Japanese and English categorize 'telling' and 'teaching.' Understanding these pitfalls will help you sound much more natural.

Confusion with 'Iu' (To Say)

The most common mistake is using 'iu' when 'tsutaeru' is required. 'Iu' focuses on the act of speaking words. 'Tsutaeru' focuses on the message reaching the other person. If you say 'Tanaka-san ni itte kudasai,' it's like saying 'Say something to Tanaka.' If you say 'Tanaka-san ni tsutaete kudasai,' it means 'Give Tanaka-san this specific message.'

Another frequent error is confusing 伝える with 教える (oshieru). In English, 'tell' can mean 'to give information' (Tell me your name) or 'to teach' (Tell me how to do this). In Japanese, these are strictly separated. Use 'oshieru' for teaching a skill or providing information the other person doesn't know. Use 'tsutaeru' for passing on a message or reporting a fact.

The 'Oshieru' Trap

If you want someone to tell you their phone number, use 'oshieru' (because they are giving you new information). If you want them to give a message to their boss, use 'tsutaeru' (because they are acting as a messenger).

Particle errors are also common. Learners often forget the 'ni' particle for the recipient. In English, we say 'Tell him,' but in Japanese, you MUST say 'Kare NI tsutaeru.' Skipping the 'ni' makes the sentence grammatically broken and hard to understand. Also, remember not to use 'tsutaeru' when you are just 'talking' with someone; for that, use 話す (hanasu).

Finally, watch out for the transitive/intransitive pair 伝える (transitive) and 伝わる (intransitive). Beginners often use 'tsutaeru' when they want to say 'The message was understood' or 'The feeling got across.' In those cases, 'tsutawaru' is the correct choice because the focus is on the state of the message, not the person doing the telling.

Intransitive Mix-up

Don't say 'Watashi no kimochi o tsutaemashita' if you mean 'My feelings were conveyed (automatically).' Use 'tsutaeru' only when you are the active agent of the communication.

By avoiding these common errors—confusing it with 'iu' or 'oshieru,' forgetting the 'ni' particle, and mixing up the transitive/intransitive forms—you will use 伝える with the precision of a native speaker.

Japanese has many words for communication, and choosing the right one depends on the context, the formality, and the specific nature of the information. While 伝える (tsutaeru) is the most versatile, knowing its alternatives will make your Japanese more nuanced and professional.

1. 言う (Iu) - To Say

The most basic verb for speaking. Use it for the physical act of saying words or quoting someone. It doesn't imply the message was successfully 'conveyed' as strongly as 'tsutaeru' does.

2. 教える (Oshieru) - To Teach / To Inform

Use this when giving someone information they don't have, like a phone number, a recipe, or a lesson. It implies a transfer of knowledge rather than just a message.

In business contexts, 'tsutaeru' is often replaced by more specific verbs like 報告する (houkoku suru - to report), 連絡する (renraku suru - to contact), or 相談する (soudan suru - to consult). These form the famous 'Hou-Ren-Sou' rule of Japanese business communication. While 'tsutaeru' is the general act, 'houkoku' is specifically telling your boss about a finished task.

3. 報告する (Houkoku suru)

Specifically used for reporting the results of a task or an investigation to a superior. It is more formal and structured than 'tsutaeru'.

4. 連絡する (Renraku suru)

To get in touch or notify. Use this for logistics, like 'I'll contact you about the meeting time.' It often involves a two-way channel of communication.

For passing down traditions or heritage, 継承する (keishou suru) is a high-level academic alternative. However, in daily conversation, even for traditions, 'tsutaeru' remains the most common choice. Another interesting synonym is 言い伝える (iitsutaeru), which specifically means to hand down by word of mouth or tradition.

5. 述べる (Noberu) - To State

A formal verb used for stating opinions or facts in a speech or a written document. It is much more formal than 'tsutaeru' and is rarely used in casual conversation.

Lastly, consider 伝達する (dentatsu suru). This is a technical or formal version of 'tsutaeru,' often used in military, scientific, or highly administrative contexts to describe the transmission of signals or official directives. For A2 learners, 'tsutaeru' is almost always the safest and most natural choice, but recognizing these others will help you navigate different social layers of Japan.