Japanese word

教える

Pronunciation

Romajioshieru

Meaning

  • verbteach

Example

先生が日本語を教えます。sen sei ga nihon go o oshi e ma su

The teacher teaches Japanese.

Illustration for 教える (teach)

More examples

先生が漢字を教えます。sen sei ga kan ji o oshi e ma su

The teacher teaches kanji.

私は弟に自転車の乗り方を教えます。watashi wa otōto ni ji ten sha no no ri kata o oshi e ma su

I teach my younger brother how to ride a bicycle.

Core concept

It passes something known or learned to another person, either as instruction or as useful information.

Common phrases

  • 人に教えるhito ni oshi e ru

    teach someone

  • 日本語を教えるnihon go o oshi e ru

    teach Japanese

  • 英語を教えるei go o oshi e ru

    teach English

Similar words

指導するshidōsuru: To guide a person through learning a subject or skill.
伝えるtsutaeru: To give information or a message to another person.
知らせるshiraseru: To inform someone of a fact or event.
説明するsetsumeisuru: To make the meaning or details of something clear.

Definition in Japanese

知識や技術、情報などを相手に伝えて、理解や習得を助ける。chi shiki ya gi jutsu jō hō na do o ai te ni tsuta e te ri kai ya shū toku o tasu ke ru

Word origin

教える (oshieru) is a native Japanese verb that comes from the older form 教ふ (oshifu), meaning "to teach" or "to tell"; its modern form reflects historical sound and conjugation changes.

Usage tips

  • The phrase 教えてください (oshiete kudasai) is used for both "Please teach me" and "Please tell me," depending on what information is requested.

Other meanings

  • tellverb

Opposites

Related words

  • 教え方oshiekataway of teachingnoun
  • 教え手oshieteteachernoun

Word lists with this word