Japanese word

案内

Pronunciation

Romajiannai

Meaning

  • noundirections

Example

駅までの案内をお願いします。eki ma de no an nai o o nega i shi ma su

Please give me directions to the station.

Illustration for 案内 (directions)

More examples

受付で会場までの案内を確認しました。uke tsuke de kai jō ma de no an nai o kaku nin shi ma shi ta

I checked the directions to the venue at the reception desk.

Core concept

It centers on giving someone the information or guidance needed to find a place or understand what to do.

Common phrases

  • 案内に従うan nai ni shitaga u

    follow the directions

Similar words

道案内dōannai: Information about how to get to a particular place.
ガイドgaido: Help or information for visiting or using a place or service.
指示shiji: Words that tell someone what to do or where to go.

Definition in Japanese

目的地への行き方や必要な事柄を知らせること。また、そのための情報。moku teki chi e no i ki kata ya hitsu yō na koto gara o shi ra se ru ko to ma ta so no ta me no jō hō

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese word 案内 (annai) joins 案 (an, "plan") and 内 (nai, "inside"); its meaning shifted from what a plan contains to the guidance or information provided to someone.

Usage tips

  • At a station, 案内 (annai) can refer both to directions to a platform and to general information for passengers.

Other meanings

  • informationnoun

Related words

  • 案内係annaikakariattendantnoun

Word lists with this word