Explanation at your level:
Hello! 案内する (annai suru) is a word that means 'to show someone where to go'. Imagine you have a friend visiting your house for the first time. You 案内する them to the living room, right? You show them the way! It's like being a little guide. You can 案内する someone to the park, to the school, or to the shop. It’s a very helpful thing to do!
The verb 案内する (annai suru) means to guide or to show someone around a place. Think about when you help someone find their way. For example, if a new student comes to your class, you might 案内する them to their seat. Or if tourists ask for directions, you can offer to 案内する them to the station. It's a common and polite way to help people navigate unfamiliar environments.
案内する (annai suru) is a versatile verb used when you are guiding someone or showing them around a place. This can range from providing simple directions to escorting someone through a building or city. For instance, a hotel receptionist might 案内する a guest to their room, or a museum staff member might 案内する visitors to the exhibition hall. The key is providing assistance and information to help someone navigate.
案内する (annai suru) extends beyond simple direction-giving to encompass the act of providing comprehensive guidance or a tour. It implies a level of responsibility in leading someone through a space, whether it's a physical location like a city or a building, or even an abstract process like a company orientation. The nuance lies in the proactive role of the 'guide' in making the 'guided' feel informed and comfortable.
The verb 案内する (annai suru) signifies a more formal or structured act of guidance, often involving detailed information or a curated experience. It can be used in contexts such as leading a delegation, conducting a formal tour of facilities, or introducing someone to a new system or environment. The term carries connotations of expertise and thoughtful facilitation, ensuring the recipient has a clear understanding and smooth progression.
Mastering 案内する (annai suru) involves understanding its subtle applications, from the practical 'showing the way' to the more abstract 'facilitating understanding'. It can imply a deep cultural or institutional knowledge being imparted during a guided experience. Consider its use in contexts like 文化案内 (bunka annai) – cultural guidance – where the goal is not just navigation but also appreciation and comprehension of a society's nuances.
Palabra en 30 segundos
- 案内する means 'to guide' or 'to show around'.
- It's used for physical places, tours, and providing directions.
- The noun form is 案内 (annai).
- Commonly heard in tourism, business, and daily life.
Hey there! Let's talk about the Japanese verb 案内する (annai suru). It's a super useful word that basically means 'to guide' or 'to show around'. Think about when you're visiting a new city, starting a new job, or even just showing a friend your favorite cafe – you're likely 案内する them!
It's all about leading someone, giving them directions, and making sure they feel comfortable and informed. Whether it's a formal tour or just helping someone find the restroom, the core idea is to provide guidance and make the experience smoother for the other person. It’s a friendly and helpful action!
The word 案内 (annai) itself is a compound word. The first part, 案 (an), originally meant 'plan' or 'suggestion', and it comes from the Chinese character for 'plan' or 'to propose'. The second part, 内 (nai), means 'inside' or 'within'. So, together, 案内 literally suggested 'planning within' or 'bringing someone inside a plan'.
Over time, this evolved to mean 'guidance' or 'information'. When you add する (suru), which is the general verb 'to do', you get 案内する, meaning 'to do the guiding'. It's a word that has been around for a while, helping people navigate both physical spaces and information for centuries. It reflects a fundamental human need to share knowledge and help others find their way.
You'll hear and use 案内する in many different situations! It's very common in tourism, where guides 案内する visitors around historical sites or cities. In business, a company might 案内する new employees around the office or 案内する clients to a meeting room.
It’s also used for giving directions. If someone asks for help, you might say, 「駅まで案内しましょうか？」 (Eki made annai shimashou ka? - Shall I guide you to the station?). The formality can vary. While 案内する is generally polite, the context and the surrounding language will determine the exact level of formality. It pairs well with places (場所 - basho), people (人 - hito), and directions (道 - michi).
While 案内する itself isn't typically part of many set idioms, the concept of guidance and information is woven into many expressions. Here are a few related ideas:
- 道案内 (michi annai): This is a very common phrase meaning 'directions' or 'guidance on how to get somewhere'. It's the practical application of 案内する. Example: 「すみません、道案内をお願いします。」 (Sumimasen, michi annai o onegaishimasu. - Excuse me, could you give me directions?)
- インフォメーション (infōmēshon): This loanword from English ('information') is often used in contexts where 案内する might apply, like at an information desk. Example: 「インフォメーションで地図をもらえますか？」 (Infōmēshon de chizu o moraemasu ka? - Can I get a map at the information desk?)
- 手引き (tebiki): This means a 'guidebook' or 'manual', something that provides guidance. It's similar in concept to 案内. Example: 「この手引きを読めば、使い方がわかります。」 (Kono tebiki o yomeba, tsukaikata ga wakarimasu. - If you read this guide, you'll understand how to use it.)
- 案内表示 (annai hyōji): This refers to 'guide signs' or 'directional signs' you see in public places. Example: 「案内表示に従って進んでください。」 (Annai hyōji ni shitagatte susunde kudasai. - Please proceed according to the guide signs.)
- 案内係 (annai gakari): This is a person whose job it is to guide or provide information, like an information attendant. Example: 「案内係に尋ねてみましょう。」 (Annai gakari ni tazunete mimashou. - Let's ask the information attendant.)
案内する is a regular 'suru' verb, meaning its conjugation follows the standard pattern for verbs ending in 'suru'. For example, the past tense is 案内しました (annai shimashita), the negative is 案内しません (annai shimasen), and the potential form is 案内できます (annai dekimasu).
Pronunciation: The word is broken down into syllables: あ-ん-な-い-す-る (a-n-na-i-su-ru). The stress is relatively even across the syllables, without a strong emphasis on any single one in standard Japanese pronunciation. It sounds like "ahn-nye-soo-roo".
Related words: The noun form is 案内 (annai), meaning 'guidance' or 'information'. You'll often see it used on its own, like 「案内はこちらです」 (Annai wa kochira desu - Information/Guidance is this way).
Fun Fact
The character '案' (an) originally related to 'planning' or 'suggestion', while '内' (nai) meant 'inside'. The combination suggested bringing someone into a plan or providing internal information.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'ahn-nye-soo-roo', with relatively even stress on each syllable.
Similar to UK pronunciation, perhaps with a slightly softer 'n' sound.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing 'n' as 'm' before 'b' or 'p' sounds (though not applicable here).
- Adding unnecessary stress to one syllable.
- Mispronouncing the 'r' sound (often a flap sound, similar to the 'dd' in 'ladder' in American English).
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to understand in context, common kanji.
Straightforward conjugation for 'suru' verbs.
Commonly used, pronunciation is relatively simple.
Frequently heard in various settings.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Avanzado
Grammar to Know
する-verbs Conjugation
案内する -> 案内しました (past), 案内しません (negative), 案内できる (potential)
Particles を (o) and に (ni)
場所 + を + 案内する (guide through the place), 人 + に + 案内する (guide someone)
Request Forms (〜てください, 〜ていただけますか)
案内してください (Annai shite kudasai - Please guide me)
Examples by Level
私はあなたを案内します。
I / you / guide-will.
します is the polite 'do' form.
これは部屋の案内です。
This / room / 's / guidance / is.
の connects nouns.
駅はどこですか？案内してください。
Station / is / where / ? / guide-please.
してください is a polite request.
博物館を案内しましょう。
Museum / guide-shall-we.
ましょう is a suggestion 'let's...'
公園の案内図がありますか？
Park / 's / guide-map / exists / ?
図 (zu) means map.
新しい友達を案内しました。
New / friend / guided-did.
しました is the past polite form.
この道は案内です。
This / road / is / guidance.
This is a simplified usage.
観光案内はどこですか？
Sightseeing / guidance / is / where / ?
観光 (kankou) means sightseeing.
この建物の中を案内します。
This / building / inside / guide-will.
を marks the direct object.
観光客に街を案内しました。
Tourists / to / city / guided-did.
に indicates the recipient.
受付で案内をお願いできますか？
Reception / at / guidance / ask-can / ?
で indicates location of action.
地図で場所を案内してください。
Map / with / place / guide-please.
で can indicate the tool used.
新しいオフィスを案内する時間がありますか？
New / office / guide-will / time / exists / ?
する is the dictionary form of the verb.
彼は私たちに工場を案内してくれた。
He / us / factory / guided-did-for-us.
てくれる adds the nuance of doing a favor.
案内係が入口にいます。
Guide / person / entrance / at / is.
係 (gakari) means person in charge of something.
このパンフレットが案内になります。
This / pamphlet / becomes / guidance.
になります means 'becomes' or 'serves as'.
初めてのお客様を丁寧に案内しました。
First-time / customers / politely / guided-did.
丁寧に (teinei ni) means politely.
この地域を案内するボランティアを募集しています。
This / area / guide-will / volunteers / recruiting-are.
募集しています (boshuu shite imasu) means 'are recruiting'.
美術館の担当者が展示室を案内してくれた。
Art museum / person-in-charge / exhibition rooms / guided-did-for-us.
担当者 (tantousha) means person in charge.
道案内が必要な場合は、遠慮なくお尋ねください。
Directions / need-if / please-don't-hesitate / ask-please.
遠慮なく (enryo naku) means without hesitation.
彼は新しいプロジェクトの概要を案内する予定です。
He / new / project / overview / guide-will / plan-is.
予定です (yotei desu) means 'is scheduled to'.
このツアーでは、地元の歴史について案内します。
This / tour / in / local / history / about / guide-will.
について means 'about'.
案内表示に従って、右へお進みください。
Guide / signs / according-to / right / towards / please-proceed.
に従って (shitagatte) means 'according to'.
ウェブサイトで施設の案内を確認できます。
Website / on / facility / information / check-can.
確認できます (kakunin dekimasu) means 'can confirm/check'.
都市計画の専門家が、再開発エリアの将来像を案内した。
Urban planning / expert / redevelopment area / future vision / guided.
将来像 (shourai zou) means 'future vision/image'.
研修プログラムでは、企業文化の理解を深めるためのガイダンスを提供します。
Training program / in / corporate culture / understanding / deepen / for / guidance / provide-will.
ガイダンス (gaidansu) is a loanword often used for structured guidance.
彼は、長年の経験に基づいた不動産投資のノウハウを惜しみなく案内してくれた。
He / many-years / experience / based-on / real estate investment / know-how / generously / guided-did-for-us.
ノウハウ (nouhau) is a loanword for 'know-how'.
この歴史的建造物の保存活動について、専門家が詳細に案内してくれる予定です。
This / historical building / preservation activities / about / expert / in-detail / guide-will-do-plan.
保存活動 (hozon katsudou) means 'preservation activities'.
現地の文化に精通したガイドが、隠れた名所を案内してくれるツアーに参加した。
Local / culture / familiar-with / guide / hidden / famous-spots / guide-will-do / tour / participated.
精通した (seitsuu shita) means 'well-versed in'.
大学のオープンキャンパスでは、各学部が独自の特色を案内するブースを設けていた。
University / open campus / in / each faculty / unique / characteristics / guide-will / booths / set-up-was.
特色 (tokushoku) means 'special characteristics/features'.
彼は、複雑な技術的問題を、初心者にも理解できるように平易な言葉で案内した。
He / complex / technical problems / beginners / also / understand / so-that / simple / words / with / guided.
平易な言葉 (heii na kotoba) means 'simple words'.
この地域特有の動植物について、専門家が生態系を案内するセミナーが開催された。
This region / unique / flora-fauna / about / expert / ecosystem / guide-will / seminar / held-was.
生態系 (seitaikei) means 'ecosystem'.
国際会議では、各国の代表団に対し、会場の施設と進行スケジュールを綿密に案内した。
International conference / in / each country / delegations / towards / venue / facilities / progress schedule / meticulously / guided.
綿密に (menmitsu ni) means meticulously or thoroughly.
彼は、最新のAI技術の応用可能性について、専門家向けに詳細なレクチャーを案内した。
He / latest / AI technology / application possibilities / about / for-experts / detailed / lecture / guided.
応用可能性 (ouyou kanousei) means 'application possibilities'.
この歴史地区の景観保全に関するガイドラインについて、担当者が住民向けの説明会を案内した。
This / historical district / landscape preservation / regarding / guidelines / about / person-in-charge / residents / for / briefing session / guided.
景観保全 (keikan hozen) means 'landscape preservation'.
企業の社会的責任（CSR）の取り組みについて、経営陣が投資家向けにその意義を案内する場が設けられた。
Company / social responsibility / (CSR) / initiatives / about / management / investors / for / its significance / guide-will / occasion / established.
意義 (igi) means 'significance' or 'meaning'.
彼は、自身の芸術哲学を作品を通して解説し、鑑賞者に新たな視点を案内した。
He / his / artistic philosophy / through works / explained / viewers / to / new perspectives / guided.
鑑賞者 (kanshousha) means 'viewer' or 'appreciator'.
この地域に伝わる伝統工芸の技術体系について、人間国宝の職人が後進にその奥義を案内した。
This region / passed-down / traditional craft / techniques system / about / Living National Treasure / artisan / successors / to / its profound secrets / guided.
人間国宝 (ningen kokuho) is a designation for master artists.
グローバル化が進む現代において、異文化理解の重要性を案内するセミナーが注目を集めている。
Globalization / progressing / modern times / in / cross-cultural understanding / importance / guide-will / seminar / attention / gathering-is.
異文化理解 (ibunka rikai) means 'cross-cultural understanding'.
彼は、複雑な哲学理論を、比喩や具体例を駆使して、初学者にも理解可能な形で案内した。
He / complex / philosophical theories / metaphors / concrete examples / utilizing / beginners / also / understandable / form / with / guided.
駆使して (kushi shite) means 'making full use of'.
その演出家は、観客を非日常的な空間へと誘い、五感すべてに訴えかける体験を案内した。
That / director / audience / into-extraordinary / space / invited / five senses / all / to / appeal / experience / guided.
演出家 (enshutsu-ka) means director (of plays, films, etc.).
彼は、長年にわたるフィールドワークの成果を基に、失われつつある少数民族の言語と文化の保存の必要性を案内した。
He / many-years / field work / results / based-on / disappearing / minority ethnic group / language / culture / preservation / necessity / guided.
少数民族 (shousuu minzoku) means 'minority ethnic group'.
この古典文学作品は、登場人物の心理描写を通して、人間の普遍的な葛藤と成長の過程を案内している。
This / classic literary work / protagonist / psychological depiction / through / human / universal / conflict / growth / process / guides.
普遍的な葛藤 (fuhenteki na kattou) means 'universal conflict'.
その建築家は、都市空間における公共性とプライバシーの調和という難題に対し、革新的な設計思想を案内した。
That / architect / urban space / in / publicness / privacy / harmony / this challenging problem / towards / innovative / design philosophy / guided.
調和 (chouwa) means 'harmony'.
彼は、現代思想の複雑な潮流を、歴史的背景や思想家たちの系譜を紐解きながら、読者に明晰に案内した。
He / modern thought / complex / currents / historical background / thinkers / lineage / untangling / while / readers / to / clearly / guided.
系譜 (keifu) means 'lineage' or 'genealogy'.
このドキュメンタリーは、失われゆく伝統技術の継承の重要性を、職人たちの情熱と葛藤を通して、視聴者に深く案内する。
This / documentary / disappearing / traditional techniques / inheritance / importance / artisans / passion / conflict / through / viewers / to / deeply / guides.
継承 (keishou) means 'inheritance' or 'succession'.
彼女は、自身の芸術活動を通じて、社会におけるマイノリティの声なき声に光を当て、新たな共感の地平を案内した。
She / her / artistic activities / through / society / in / minority / voiceless voices / light / shed / new empathy / horizons / guided.
地平 (chihei) means 'horizon'.
その指揮者は、ベートーヴェンの交響曲に新たな解釈を加え、聴衆を音楽の深遠なる世界へと案内した。
That / conductor / Beethoven / symphony / to / new interpretation / added / audience / profound / world / towards / guided.
深遠なる (shin'en naru) means 'profound' or 'abstruse'.
Colocaciones comunes
Idioms & Expressions
"道案内 (michi annai)"
Giving directions or guidance on how to get somewhere.
すみません、駅までの道案内をお願いできますか？
neutral"案内役を務める (annaiyaku o tsutomeru)"
To serve as a guide or to take on the role of guiding someone.
彼女は会議の参加者たちの案内役を務めた。
neutral"案内を受ける (annai o ukeru)"
To receive guidance or information; to be shown around.
新しい社員は、まず人事部から会社全体の案内を受ける。
neutral"案内表示に従う (annai hyōji ni shitagau)"
To follow the signs or directions provided.
空港では、案内表示に従って進むだけで目的地にたどり着ける。
neutral"案内放送 (annai hōsō)"
An announcement made to provide information or directions, typically in public spaces like stations or airports.
電車が遅延するため、案内放送があった。
neutral"案内係 (annai gakari)"
A person whose job is to guide or provide information to visitors.
イベント会場の入口には、案内係が配置されていた。
neutralEasily Confused
Both mean 'to guide' or 'to lead'.
案内する is more about showing someone around a place or through a process, often with explanations. 導く is broader, implying leading towards a goal, a better path, or enlightenment, and can be more abstract.
「道案内をする」(Michi annai o suru - To give directions) vs 「成功へ導く」(Seikou e michibiku - To lead to success).
Both involve taking someone somewhere.
案内する includes the element of guidance, explanation, and showing the way. 連れて行く simply means 'to take someone along' without necessarily providing guidance.
「友達を映画に連れて行った」(Tomodachi o eiga ni tsurete itta - I took my friend to the movies) vs 「友達を映画館に案内した」(Tomodachi o eigakan ni annai shita - I showed my friend around the movie theater/guided them there).
Guidance often involves explanation.
案内する is the act of showing the way or leading someone. 説明する is specifically the act of explaining facts or concepts. You can 案内する someone *by* 説明する, but they are distinct actions.
「博物館を案内する」(Hakubutsukan o annai suru - To guide through the museum) often includes 「展示品を説明する」(Tenjihin o setsumei suru - To explain the exhibits).
It's the noun form of the verb.
案内 is the noun ('guidance', 'information', 'directions'). 案内する is the verb ('to guide', 'to show around'). You use them differently in sentences.
「道案内をお願いします」(Michi annai o onegaishimasu - Please give me directions - noun) vs 「道案内をします」(Michi annai o shimasu - I will give directions - verb phrase).
Sentence Patterns
場所 + を + 案内する
この島を案内しましょう。(Kono shima o annai shimashou. - Let's tour this island.)
人 + に + 場所 + を + 案内する
彼は私たちに工場を案内してくれた。(Kare wa watashitachi ni koujou o annai shite kureta. - He showed us around the factory.)
案内 + を + する
道案内をしますか？(Michi annai o shimasu ka? - Do you give directions?)
案内 + を + 受ける
新しい社員は会社案内を受けます。(Atarashii shain wa kaisha annai o ukemasu. - New employees receive a company orientation.)
〜の案内
観光案内はこちらです。(Kankou annai wa kochira desu. - Tourist information is this way.)
Familia de palabras
Nouns
Verbs
Relacionado
How to Use It
8/10
Formality Scale
Errores comunes
案内する has a nuance of helpfulness and explanation, whereas 連れて行く is just about the act of bringing someone along.
While you can 'guide' someone's thoughts, 案内する is more concrete. For example, you wouldn't say 'I will 案内する you to understand philosophy' but rather 'I will guide you...' (導く).
Saying 「私はあなた案内します」 is incorrect. It should be 「私はあなたを案内します」.
Correct: 「街を人に案内する」(Machi o hito ni annai suru - To guide a person through the city). Incorrect: 「街に人を案内する」.
The level of formality depends on the context. Showing a friend your room uses the same verb as a professional tour guide.
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a grand palace. At the entrance, a guide named Ann greets you. She holds a map (annai-zu) and starts to lead you through the rooms, explaining everything. She 'suru-es' (does) the guiding perfectly!
When Native Speakers Use It
Native speakers use 案内する when they proactively offer help to someone who looks lost, when starting a tour, or when introducing someone to a new environment like a workplace or school.
Cultural Insight
In Japan, offering 案内 (guidance) is a sign of good hospitality (omotenashi). It shows care and consideration for the other person's experience.
Grammar Shortcut
Remember: 'Place + を + 案内する' (guide through the place) and 'Person + に + 案内する' (guide someone). Example: '街を観光客に案内する' (Guide tourists through the city).
Say It Right
Focus on the 'nn' sound – it's a distinct double 'n'. Practice saying 'ahn-nah-ee-soo-roo' smoothly, without strong stress on any single syllable.
Don't Make This Mistake
Avoid using 案内する when you simply mean 'to take someone somewhere' without any element of guidance or explanation. Use 連れて行く (tsurete iku) for that.
Did You Know?
The concept of 'annai' is deeply embedded in Japanese culture, from physical directions to guiding someone through complex social etiquette or business processes.
Study Smart
Watch travel vlogs or Japanese dramas and actively listen for instances of 案内する. Pause and try to guess the context before the translation confirms it.
Connect the Dots
Remember the noun 案内 (annai). If you see 案内所 (information center) or 案内係 (guide), you know the core meaning is about guidance and information.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Ann' (a person's name) who is always *ann*ouncing directions and *nai*ling them! She *suru*es (does) the guiding.
Visual Association
Imagine a friendly person named Ann holding a map and smiling, pointing the way down a path.
Word Web
Desafío
Try to describe how you would 案内 a friend around your favorite place in your town.
Origen de la palabra
Japanese (native)
Original meaning: Literally 'plan within' or 'bringing inside a plan', evolving to mean guidance or information.
Contexto cultural
Showing respect and politeness when guiding someone is important in Japanese culture. Offering help with 案内する is generally seen as a positive and considerate action.
In English-speaking cultures, the role of a guide is highly valued, whether it's a tour guide, a mentor, or someone simply helping a newcomer. The act of showing someone around is a fundamental aspect of hospitality.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Tourism / Travel
- 「この街を案内します。」 (Kono machi o annai shimasu. - I will show you around this city.)
- 「道案内をお願いします。」 (Michi annai o onegaishimasu. - Please give me directions.)
- 「観光案内所はどこですか？」 (Kankou annaijo wa doko desu ka? - Where is the tourist information center?)
Workplace / Office
- 「新しいオフィスを案内します。」 (Atarashii ofisu o annai shimasu. - I will show you the new office.)
- 「研修担当者が案内します。」 (Kenshuu tantousha ga annai shimasu. - The training staff will guide you.)
- 「会議室まで案内してください。」 (Kaigishitsu made annai shite kudasai. - Please guide me to the conference room.)
Public Spaces (Stations, Airports, Museums)
- 「案内表示に従ってください。」 (Annai hyōji ni shitagatte kudasai. - Please follow the guide signs.)
- 「案内放送をお聞きください。」 (Annai hōsō o okiki kudasai. - Please listen to the announcement.)
- 「入口で案内係にお尋ねください。」 (Iriguchi de annai gakari ni otazune kudasai. - Please ask the attendant at the entrance.)
Showing someone around your home
- 「どうぞ、お上がりください。家の中を案内します。」 (Douzo, oagari kudasai. Ie no naka o annai shimasu. - Please come in. I'll show you around the house.)
- 「これがリビングです。案内しますね。」 (Kore ga ribingu desu. Annai shimasu ne. - This is the living room. I'll show you.)
Conversation Starters
"もし観光客があなたに道を聞いたら、どう案内しますか？"
"あなたの街で一番の見どころはどこですか？そこをどう案内しますか？"
"新しい職場に着いたら、まず誰が、どのようにあなたを案内してくれると思いますか？"
"もし友達が初めてあなたの家に遊びに来たら、どこを案内したいですか？"
"「案内する」という言葉を使って、最近あった面白い経験について話してください。"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you were guided somewhere new. Who guided you, and how did they make you feel?
Think about a place you know very well. How would you '案内する' a visitor who has never been there before?
What makes a good guide? What qualities should someone have when they 案内する others?
Write about a situation where you needed directions but didn't get them. How did it affect you?
Preguntas frecuentes
8 preguntas案内する typically refers to guiding someone through a physical space or a specific process, like showing them around a city or an office. 導く (michibiku) is broader and can mean to lead someone towards a goal, a better state, or enlightenment. It's often used for more abstract or long-term guidance.
Yes, absolutely! While it can sound formal, it's perfectly natural to use 案内する when showing someone around your house, especially if you're explaining things about different rooms. For a very casual situation, you might just say '見せてあげる' (misete ageru - I'll show you).
The noun form is 案内 (annai), which means 'guidance', 'information', or 'directions'.
You can use phrases like 「道案内をお願いします」 (Michi annai o onegaishimasu - Please give me directions) or 「駅まで案内していただけますか？」 (Eki made annai shite itadakemasu ka? - Could you guide me to the station?).
案内する itself is a neutral verb. Its politeness level depends on the conjugation (e.g., 案内します is polite, 案内する is plain) and the context. Offering guidance is generally seen as polite behavior.
案内表示 (annai hyōji) refers to the actual signs or displays that provide directions. 道案内 (michi annai) is the act of giving or receiving directions verbally or through guidance.
Yes, it can be adapted. For example, you might say 'オンラインで施設を案内します' (Onrain de shisetsu o annai shimasu - I will guide you through the facility online).
You'll commonly hear it in places like tourist information centers, museums, hotels, airports, train stations, and during company orientations.
Ponte a prueba
すみません、駅まで ______ してください。
案内 (annai) is used here as the noun form to request directions.
What does 案内する mean?
案内する specifically means to guide or show someone a place.
案内する can be used to show someone around a museum.
Yes, showing visitors around a museum is a common use case for 案内する.
Word
Significado
These are common related terms associated with 案内する.
The correct sentence is 「彼を私に案内します」 (Kare o watashi ni annai shimasu - He will guide me) or 「私を彼に案内します」 (Watashi o kare ni annai shimasu - I will guide him), depending on context. Assuming the former: 'He will guide me'.
受付で ______ をお願いします。
案内 (annai) is the most appropriate word for requesting guidance or information at a reception.
Which sentence best describes showing a new colleague around the office?
案内する is the most fitting verb for showing someone around an office.
The verb 案内する can only be used for physical locations and never for abstract concepts.
While primarily used for physical spaces, it can sometimes be used for guiding someone through a process or system (e.g., a training program), though 導く might be preferred for more abstract guidance.
このツアーでは、地域の歴史について ______ します。
案内する is suitable here as it implies guiding the tourists through the history, not just explaining facts.
Which phrase implies a deeper, more conceptual guidance than simply showing a place?
人生を導く (Jinkou o michibiku - To guide one's life) implies abstract, goal-oriented guidance, unlike the others which are more literal.
Puntuación: /10
Summary
案内する is your go-to verb for helping someone navigate and understand a new place or situation.
- 案内する means 'to guide' or 'to show around'.
- It's used for physical places, tours, and providing directions.
- The noun form is 案内 (annai).
- Commonly heard in tourism, business, and daily life.
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a grand palace. At the entrance, a guide named Ann greets you. She holds a map (annai-zu) and starts to lead you through the rooms, explaining everything. She 'suru-es' (does) the guiding perfectly!
When Native Speakers Use It
Native speakers use 案内する when they proactively offer help to someone who looks lost, when starting a tour, or when introducing someone to a new environment like a workplace or school.
Cultural Insight
In Japan, offering 案内 (guidance) is a sign of good hospitality (omotenashi). It shows care and consideration for the other person's experience.
Grammar Shortcut
Remember: 'Place + を + 案内する' (guide through the place) and 'Person + に + 案内する' (guide someone). Example: '街を観光客に案内する' (Guide tourists through the city).
Ejemplo
美術館を案内しましょう。
Related Content
Esta palabra en otros idiomas
Gramática relacionada
Más palabras de travel
くらい/ぐらい
B1Particle indicating extent, degree, or 'about/approximately'.
宿泊
B1The act of staying overnight in a place, such as a hotel or guest house. Essential for IELTS General Task 1 letters regarding travel complaints or bookings.
入場料
B1The fee paid to enter a place.
入場券
B1A ticket allowing entry to an event or place.
冒険
B1Adventure; an exciting or unusual experience.
手頃
B1Reasonable in price or size; affordable, suitable.
〜の後に
B1After (a noun or event).
〜の後で
B1After (time or place), behind.
飛行場
A2Airport.
航空会社
B1Airline company.
