Translation and Meaning of: 教える - oshieru

The Japanese word 教える [おしえる] is an essential verb for those learning the language, as it is directly related to the act of teaching, transmitting knowledge, or instructing someone. If you have ever wondered how to say "to teach" in Japanese or how to use this word in everyday situations, this article will clarify everything about its meaning, origin, and practical applications. Additionally, we will explore how the Japanese perceive this term in daily life and tips for memorizing it easily.

Meaning and usage of 教える

教える is a verb that means "to teach," "to explain," or "to show" something to someone. It is often used in educational contexts but also appears in informal situations, such as when someone asks to be taught about a specific subject. For example, if a Japanese friend wants to teach you how to cook a typical dish, they might say: "この料理の作り方を教えるよ" (I'll teach you how to make this dish).

An interesting characteristic of this verb is that it can be applied to both academic knowledge and practical skills. Unlike Portuguese, where we sometimes use distinct verbs like "to instruct" or "to show," Japanese tends to encompass these nuances in a single term. This makes 教える a versatile and very useful word in everyday conversations.

Origin and writing of kanji

The kanji 教える (教) is composed of two main elements: the radical for "child" (子) and the component that represents "hand holding a stick" (攵). This combination suggests an ancient idea of teaching based on discipline, reflecting traditional methods of education in Japan. Although the modern meaning has evolved to something broader, the origin of the character still carries this historical connection.

It is worth noting that 教 also appears in other words related to teaching, such as 教育 (きょういく - education) and 教師 (きょうし - teacher). Recognizing this kanji in different contexts can help expand vocabulary more efficiently, especially for intermediate and advanced students.

Tips for memorizing and using 教える

An effective way to memorize 教える is to associate it with real situations where the act of teaching occurs. For example, think of sentences like "The teacher teaches Japanese" or "Please show me the way." Repeating these examples out loud and practicing them in conversations helps internalize the verb naturally.

Another useful tip is to observe that 教える often appears combined with particles like を (for the object of teaching) and に (to indicate to whom one teaches). Understanding these grammatical structures makes it easier to build correct sentences and avoids common mistakes among beginners. Over time, the use of this verb becomes intuitive, especially if practiced in real learning contexts.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 教える

教える - base form
教えます - polite form
教えない - negative form
教えて - imperative form

Synonyms and similar words

指導する (shidō suru) - To guide, to direct
指示する (shiji suru) - Indicate, instruct
教示する (kyōji suru) - To teach, to instruct, generally in a more formal or technical context.
教育する (kyōiku suru) - Educate, promote learning in a comprehensive way.
教え授ける (oshie suteru) - To teach, to share knowledge, often in a more informal or personal context.
教授する (kyōju suru) - Professor, teaching in an academic context

Related words

導く

michibiku

to be guided; to be shown

報じる

houjiru

report; inform

知らせる

shiraseru

notify; to advise

教師

kyoushi

Teacher (classroom)

教育

kyouiku

Training; Education

教訓

kyoukun

lesson; precept; moral instruction

教え

oshie

teachings; precept; lesson; doctrine

艶

charming; fascinating; voluptuous

教える

Romaji: oshieru
Kana: おしえる
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: teach; inform; instruct

Meaning in English: to teach;to inform;to instruct

Definition: Pass on knowledge and skills to other people in an easy-to-understand way.

Quick Access
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How to Write in Japanese - (教える) oshieru

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (教える) oshieru:

Example Sentences - (教える) oshieru

See below some example sentences:

私は日本語を教えることができます。

Watashi wa nihongo wo oshieru koto ga dekimasu

I can teach Japanese.

私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
は (wa) - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
日本語 (nihongo) - Japanese language
を (wo) - direct object particle indicating the object of the action
教える (oshieru) - verb that means "teach"
ことができます (koto ga dekimasu) - expression that indicates the ability or possibility of doing something

討論は意見を交換することの大切さを教えてくれる。

Tōron wa iken o kōkan suru koto no taisetsusa o oshiete kureru

The discussion teaches the importance of exchanging opinions.

The debate tells us about the importance of exchanging opinions.

討論 (tōron) - debate/discussion
は (wa) - Topic particle
意見 (iken) - opinion
を (wo) - direct object particle
交換する (kōkan suru) - exchange
こと (koto) - noun maker
の (no) - Possession particle
大切さ (taisetsusa) - importance
を (wo) - direct object particle
教えてくれる (oshiete kureru) - teach me

答案を教えてください。

Kotae o oshiete kudasai

Please tell me the answer.

答案 - means "answer" in Japanese
を - Direct object particle in Japanese
教えて - verb "teach" in the imperative in Japanese
ください - particle of request in Japanese, which indicates a polite request

番号を教えてください。

Bango wo oshiete kudasai

Please tell me the number.

番号 - It means "number" in Japanese.
を - It is a direct object particle in Japanese.
教えて - means "please tell me" in Japanese.
ください - It is a polite request form in Japanese, which can be translated as "please".

理由を教えてください。

Riyuu wo oshiete kudasai

Please tell me the reason.

理由 - Means "reason" or "motive" in Japanese.
を - direct object particle in Japanese.
教えて - verb "teach" in the imperative in Japanese.
ください - an expression of request in Japanese, which can be translated as "please".

ヒントを教えてください。

Hinto wo oshiete kudasai

Please give me a tip.

Please say the tip.

ヒント - "Dica" in Japanese
を - object particle
教えて - "Teach" in Japanese, in the imperative.
ください - "Please" in Japanese, in the imperative.

ナンバーを教えてください。

Nanbaa wo oshiete kudasai

Please tell me the number.

ナンバー - number
を - direct object particle
教えて - to teach
ください - Please

この書類の詳細を教えてください。

Kono shorui no shosai o oshiete kudasai

Please advise the details of this document.

Please tell me the details of this document.

この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
書類 - noun meaning "document" or "paperwork"
の - possessive particle indicating that the preceding noun is the possessor of something
詳細 - noun meaning "details" or "precise information"
を - direct object particle indicating that the preceding noun is the object of the action
教えて - verb meaning "teach" or "inform"
ください - expression meaning "please" or "do"