教えます (教える)

The Japanese verb 教えます (Oshiemasu), or its dictionary form 教える (Oshieru), is a fundamental pillar of Japanese communication, primarily translating to 'to teach' or 'to tell.' However, its usage is significantly broader than the English word 'teach.' While in English we 'teach' a subject like mathematics or 'teach' someone how to swim, in Japanese, you also use oshieru to provide information, such as telling someone your phone number, your name, or the way to the station. This duality makes it an essential verb for both academic settings and daily social interactions. It essentially describes the act of transferring knowledge, information, or a skill from someone who knows to someone who does not.

Core Meaning

The transfer of information or expertise from one person to another.

In a classroom context, oshieru is the standard verb for instruction. A teacher (sensei) performs the action of oshieru. Interestingly, the kanji for this word, 教, consists of elements representing a child, a hand holding a stick (representing discipline or guidance), and the concept of 'filial piety' or 'crossing.' This visual history emphasizes the traditional view of teaching as a disciplined transmission of values and knowledge. Beyond the classroom, if a tourist asks you for directions, you aren't just 'telling' them the way; you are 'teaching' them the route, hence michi o oshieru (to show/teach the way).

Social Nuance

Using this verb often implies a helpful intention, positioning the speaker as a provider of value.

Furthermore, oshieru is used in more abstract ways. For example, 'teaching a lesson' in a moral sense or 'showing' someone the reality of a situation. It is an Ichidan verb, making its conjugation very regular and easy for learners to master. Whether you are explaining a complex scientific theory or simply sharing a secret, oshieru is your go-to verb for the act of informing. It bridges the gap between formal education and casual information exchange, making it one of the most versatile verbs in the Japanese language. Understanding its breadth is key to moving beyond basic translations and grasping how Japanese speakers conceptualize the sharing of knowledge.

Kanji Breakdown

教 (Kyo/Oshieru): To teach. Components: 耂 (old/teacher) + 子 (child) + 攵 (action/strike).

Using 教えます (Oshiemasu) correctly requires understanding the relationship between the giver, the receiver, and the information being shared. The standard sentence pattern is: [Giver] は [Receiver] に [Information/Skill] を 教えます. The particle に (ni) marks the person receiving the knowledge, while を (o) marks the subject matter. For example, 'Watashi wa tomodachi ni eigo o oshiemasu' (I teach English to my friend). This structure is consistent across most contexts, whether you are teaching a professional skill or just giving a tip.

Basic Pattern

[Subject] は [Target] に [Object] を 教えます。

When asking for information, the -te kudasai form is extremely common: [Information] o oshiete kudasai. This is the polite way to say 'Please tell me...' or 'Please show me...' If you want to ask 'Could you please teach/tell me?' in a more humble or polite way, you might use oshiete itadakemasen ka?. This is particularly useful in business settings or when speaking to a superior. It's also important to note that oshieru is an Ichidan verb, so to make the past tense, you simply change -masu to -mashita (oshiemashita) or the dictionary form -ru to -ta (oshieta).

Requesting Info

駅への道を教えてください (Please tell me the way to the station).

Another common usage is the compound form oshiete ageru (to teach someone as a favor) or oshiete morau (to have someone teach you). These auxiliary verbs add a layer of social directionality and gratitude. For instance, 'Tomodachi ni oshiete moratta' means 'I had a friend teach/tell me,' implying you are grateful for the information. Conversely, 'Oshiete ageru' should be used carefully as it can sometimes sound a bit patronizing if used with a superior, as it emphasizes that you are doing them a favor. In those cases, just 'oshieru' or a more formal version is safer.

The 'How-to' Pattern

Combine a verb stem with -kata to say 'how to [verb]'. Example: tsukuri-kata o oshieru (teach how to make).

You will encounter 教えます (Oshiemasu) in almost every facet of Japanese life. In schools, students constantly hear teachers saying 'Kyo wa atarashii kanji o oshiemasu' (Today I will teach you new kanji). But its presence extends far beyond the classroom. In a restaurant, you might ask a waiter, 'Osusume o oshiete kudasai' (Please tell me your recommendations). In an office, a colleague might say, 'Kono shorui no kakikata o oshiete kuremasen ka?' (Could you show me how to fill out this document?). It is the universal verb for requesting and providing specific, useful information.

At the Office

Used when training new employees or asking for clarification on procedures.

In social media and digital communication, oshieru is ubiquitous. When someone posts a photo of a beautiful cafe, followers might comment, 'Basho o oshiete!' (Tell me the location!). It's also used in TV shows, especially variety shows or documentaries, where experts 'teach' the audience about a specific topic. If you watch Japanese dramas, you'll often hear characters using it in emotional contexts, such as 'Honto no koto o oshiete!' (Tell me the truth!). Here, the word carries the weight of revealing something hidden or significant, moving beyond mere instruction into the realm of honesty and revelation.

In Travel

Essential for asking directions or local tips from residents.

Even in sports, a coach will 'oshieru' techniques to players. It's a word that implies a mentor-mentee relationship, however brief. When you use oshieru, you are acknowledging that the other person has knowledge you lack. This makes it a very humble and polite way to engage with others when you are the learner. Conversely, when you are the one 'teaching,' it places you in a position of helpful authority. Whether it's a grandmother teaching a recipe to her grandchild or a technician telling you why your computer isn't working, oshieru is the linguistic thread connecting the 'knower' to the 'seeker' in Japanese society.

Everyday Socializing

Sharing contact info, social media handles, or recommendations.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is confusing 教える (Oshieru) with 習う (Narau). While both relate to education, they represent opposite sides of the transaction. Oshieru is 'to teach' (the teacher's action), whereas Narau is 'to learn' (the student's action). If you say 'Watashi wa sensei ni oshiemasu' when you mean 'I learn from the teacher,' you are actually saying 'I teach the teacher,' which might cause some confusion! Always remember: Oshieru is giving knowledge, Narau is receiving it.

Mistake 1: Directionality

Confusing 'teach' (oshieru) with 'learn' (narau/manabu).

Another common error is using iu (to say) or hanasu (to speak) when oshieru is more appropriate. In English, we often say 'Tell me your name.' In Japanese, using Namae o itte kudasai sounds like a command to physically utter the name (like a roll call), whereas Namae o oshiete kudasai is a request for the information of what your name is. This nuance is subtle but important for sounding natural. If you want to know someone's address, phone number, or email, always use oshieru. Using iu can sound blunt or even slightly aggressive in these contexts.

Mistake 2: Particle Errors

Using 'o' instead of 'ni' for the person you are teaching.

Finally, be careful with the 'favor' forms. As mentioned, oshiete ageru can sound arrogant if you say it to a boss or teacher. It implies 'I will do you the favor of teaching you.' Instead, use the neutral oshieru or a humble form like o-oshie shimasu. Conversely, when someone teaches you, using oshiete morau is much more natural and polite than just saying oshieta. It acknowledges the other person's effort. Mastering these social nuances will help you use oshieru effectively without accidentally offending your Japanese interlocutors.

Mistake 3: Over-formality

Using 'oshieru' for very trivial things where 'iu' is actually okay, though this is rare.

While 教える (Oshieru) is the most common verb, several other words share similar meanings but are used in different contexts. Understanding these will refine your Japanese and help you choose the most precise term for the situation. The most frequent alternative is 伝える (Tsutaeru), which means 'to convey' or 'to pass on a message.' While oshieru focuses on the knowledge itself, tsutaeru focuses on the act of delivery. For example, you 'oshieru' a skill, but you 'tsutaeru' a message from the boss.

Comparison: Oshieru vs. Tsutaeru

Oshieru: Teaching a skill or providing unknown info (e.g., teaching math).
Tsutaeru: Relaying information or feelings (e.g., passing on a message).

In more formal or academic settings, you might encounter 指導する (Shidou suru), which means 'to guide' or 'to coach.' This is used for professional instruction, like a thesis advisor guiding a student or a coach leading a team. Another formal term is 教授する (Kyouju suru), which is specifically 'to profess' or 'to teach' at a high academic level (like a university professor). For showing someone how to do something visually, 示す (Shimesu) or 見せる (Miseru - to show) are often used alongside oshieru.

Comparison: Oshieru vs. Shidou suru

Oshieru: General teaching/telling.
Shidou suru: Professional guidance, coaching, or leading.

Finally, there is 説く (Toku), which means 'to explain' or 'to preach,' often used for religious or philosophical teachings. For everyday 'telling' of news or facts, 知らせる (Shiraseru) is common, meaning 'to notify' or 'to let someone know.' While oshieru implies a transfer of knowledge, shiraseru is more about the announcement of a fact. Choosing between these depends on the 'weight' of the information and the formality of the relationship. For most learners at the A2 level, oshieru will cover 90% of your needs, but being aware of these alternatives will help you understand native speakers more clearly.

Comparison: Oshieru vs. Shiraseru

Oshieru: Transferring knowledge (How-to, data).
Shiraseru: Notifying someone of an event or fact (The meeting is cancelled).