Translation and Meaning of: 教え - oshie

The Japanese word 教え [おしえ] is an essential term for anyone learning the language or interested in Japanese culture. Its meaning goes beyond a simple translation, carrying important nuances in the educational and philosophical context. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, its origin, how it is used in daily life, and some tips for memorizing it efficiently. If you have ever wondered how the Japanese understand the concept of "teaching" or "lesson," this text will help you unravel these details.

The meaning and translation of 教え

教え [おしえ] is a noun that means "teaching," "lesson," or "doctrine." It derives from the verb 教える [おしえる], which means "to teach" or "to instruct." The word is often used in contexts involving the transmission of knowledge, whether in schools, martial arts, or even in family traditions. Unlike more generic terms, 教え carries a connotation of wisdom passed down from generation to generation.

In the Suki Nihongo dictionary, you will find practical examples of how this word is used in everyday sentences. A common usage is in expressions like 先生の教え [せんせいのおしえ], which refers to the teachings of a teacher or master. It is worth noting that, although it can be translated as "lesson," it is not limited to just the academic environment and may also appear in religious or philosophical contexts.

The origin and writing of the kanji 教

The kanji 教 is composed of two main elements: 孝 (filial) and 攵 (the action of hitting). Originally, it represented the idea of "instruction through discipline," reflecting a traditional teaching method that valued strict correction. Over time, its meaning evolved to encompass broader concepts such as education and moral guidance. This historical root helps to understand why the word 教え (oshie) carries such significant weight in the Japanese language.

An interesting fact is that the kanji 教 appears in other related terms, such as 教育 [きょういく] (education) and 宗教 [しゅうきょう] (religion). If you are studying Japanese, you will notice that recognizing these patterns greatly facilitates the learning of vocabulary. A tip to memorize 教え is to associate it with situations in which someone is receiving valuable knowledge, such as advice from a mentor.

How 教え is used in Japanese culture

In Japan, the word 教え is deeply connected to the notion of respect for ancestral knowledge. Arts such as chadō (tea ceremony), shodō (calligraphy), and even martial arts follow the 教え of their founders, keeping alive methods that may have centuries of history. This cultural aspect shows how the term goes beyond its literal meaning, representing the preservation of values and techniques over time.

Another relevant point is that 教え is not restricted to great masters. Parents pass their 教え on to their children, chefs share culinary secrets with apprentices, and even colleagues share small lessons with each other. This everyday use reinforces the idea that the act of teaching is a fundamental part of social relationships in Japan. If you want to practice, try to create sentences like この教えは大切です [このおしえはたいせつです] ("This teaching is important").

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

指導 (Shidō) - Guidance, supervision
指示 (Shiji) - Instruction, command
指導する (Shidō suru) - To guide, to direct
教育する (Kyōiku suru) - Educate, instruct formally
教える (Oshieru) - Teaching, passing on knowledge
説明する (Setsumei suru) - Explain, make clear
言い聞かせる (Ii kikaseteru) - Convince through words, persuade
言葉を教える (Kotoba o oshieru) - Teach words, language
教授する (Kyōju suru) - Teaching in an academic context
指導者 (Shidōsha) - Leader, mentor
指導力 (Shidōryoku) - Leadership capacity, ability to guide
指導的 (Shidōteki) - Related to guidance or leadership
指導方針 (Shidōhōshin) - Policy of guidance or leadership

Related words

教える

oshieru

teach; inform; instruct

導く

michibiku

to be guided; to be shown

報じる

houjiru

report; inform

神聖

shinsei

holiness; sacredness; dignity

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

教わる

osowaru

be taught

艶

charming; fascinating; voluptuous

教え

Romaji: oshie
Kana: おしえ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: teachings; precept; lesson; doctrine

Meaning in English: teachings;precept;lesson;doctrine

Definition: To convey knowledge and skills about people or things.

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How to Write in Japanese - (教え) oshie

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

Example Sentences - (教え) oshie

See below some example sentences:

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".

作り方を教えてください。

Tsukurikata wo oshiete kudasai

Please teach me how to do it.

Please tell you how to make it.

作り方 - noun meaning "method of doing something"
を - Particle that marks the direct object of the sentence
教えて - verb meaning "teach" or "explain"
ください - polite form of the verb "give", used to make a request or request

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"