To teach someone something or to share information with them.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to impart knowledge or skills to others.
- Commonly used to provide information or directions.
- Essential verb for educational and daily communication.
Overview
- 1概要：教えるは、相手が知らないことを伝えるという能動的な動作を表す動詞です。教育的な文脈から、日常的な情報の提供まで幅広く使われます。2) 使用パターン：基本構造は「AがBにCを教える（A teaches B C）」です。誰に教えるか（人）と何を教えるか（内容）を明確にする必要があります。3) 一般的な文脈：学校の先生が生徒に勉強を教える、先輩が後輩に仕事のやり方を教える、道に迷った人に駅への道を教えるといった場面で頻繁に使用されます。4) 類語との比較：『伝える』は情報を届けるというニュアンスが強く、『教える』は相手に習得させたり、未知の情報を与えたりする指導的なニュアンスが強いです。また、『知らせる』は事実を通知するだけで、指導の意味は含まれません。
Examples
先生が数学を教えてくれます。
everydayThe teacher teaches me math.
住所を教えていただけますか？
formalCould you please tell me your address?
これ、教えて。
informalTell me this.
教授が研究の方法を教えてくださった。
academicThe professor taught me the research method.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
教えてください
Please tell me / Please teach me
教えてもらう
To have someone teach me
教えてあげる
To teach someone (as a favor)
Often Confused With
Means 'to convey' or 'to report'. It focuses on passing information along, whereas 'oshieru' implies guidance or instruction.
Means 'to notify' or 'to inform'. It is used for facts or news, lacking the educational aspect of 'oshieru'.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use 'oshieru' when you are the source of knowledge. When being polite to superiors, use 'oshiete itadakemasen ka'. It is a very versatile verb used in both casual and formal settings.
Common Mistakes
Don't confuse 'oshieru' with 'narau' (to learn). Also, remember to use the particle 'ni' for the person being taught. Avoid using it if you are just reporting a fact without any intent to guide.
Tips
Use for both teaching and informing
Remember that 'oshieru' works for both formal teaching and simply telling someone a piece of information like a phone number.
Watch the direction of the action
Ensure you distinguish between who is giving the information and who is receiving it to avoid confusion.
Politeness in asking for help
When asking someone to teach you something, using 'o-shiete itadakemasen ka' is very polite and appreciated in Japanese culture.
Word Origin
Originates from the classical Japanese verb 'oshi-uru', meaning to push or press knowledge into someone. It evolved into the modern form representing guidance.
Cultural Context
In Japan, asking for guidance is a sign of respect for one's mentor. Using the correct level of politeness when asking someone to 'oshieru' is crucial for maintaining good relationships.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Teacher' (Oshieru) standing in front of a class. The sound 'Oshi' sounds like 'Oh, she teaches me!'
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「教える」は知識を与える側（先生など）の動作で、「習う」は知識を受け取る側（生徒など）の動作です。視点が逆になる点に注意してください。
はい、問題ありません。「情報を知らせる」という意味で、電話番号や住所などを相手に伝える際にも「教える」を使います。
どちらも丁寧ですが、「教えてもらえますか」の方が相手への依頼のニュアンスが強まり、より丁寧で柔らかい表現になります。
「教えました」です。否定形は「教えません」となります。
Test Yourself
先生が学生に日本語を___。
文の主語と述語の結びつきとして、現在形または習慣を表す「教えます」が適切です。
道がわからない時、何と言いますか？
相手に依頼する際は「～てください」の形を使います。
（私に / を / 日本語 / 教えて / ください）
日本語の文法では、通常「人＋に＋もの＋を＋動詞」の語順が自然です。
Score: /3
Summary
To teach someone something or to share information with them.
- Used to impart knowledge or skills to others.
- Commonly used to provide information or directions.
- Essential verb for educational and daily communication.
Use for both teaching and informing
Remember that 'oshieru' works for both formal teaching and simply telling someone a piece of information like a phone number.
Watch the direction of the action
Ensure you distinguish between who is giving the information and who is receiving it to avoid confusion.
Politeness in asking for help
When asking someone to teach you something, using 'o-shiete itadakemasen ka' is very polite and appreciated in Japanese culture.
Examples
4 of 4先生が数学を教えてくれます。
The teacher teaches me math.
住所を教えていただけますか？
Could you please tell me your address?
これ、教えて。
Tell me this.
教授が研究の方法を教えてくださった。
The professor taught me the research method.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More education words
欠席する
A2To be absent.
抽象的
A1Describes something that is based on general ideas or concepts rather than specific physical objects or examples. It is often used to talk about thoughts, art, or explanations that are not easy to see or touch.
後天的
B2Refers to qualities, skills, or traits acquired through experience, learning, or environmental influence after birth.
応用
A1The act of applying a principle, theory, or knowledge to a practical situation or a different context. It is commonly used in education and science to describe moving from basic concepts to complex, real-world problems.
適性
B2A natural ability or suitability for a specific role, task, or academic path. It refers to the fitness of an individual's character or skills to a certain environment.
恣意的
B2Based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system. Often used in academic writing to criticize research methods or data selection.
出席する
A2To attend.
ボールペン
A2ballpoint pen
基本
A1Kihon refers to the fundamentals or basics of a subject, skill, or system. it describes the essential foundation that one must master before advancing to more complex levels.
有益
B2Being useful, beneficial, or profitable. It describes something that brings a positive effect or helps in achieving a goal.
