Translation and Meaning of: 知らせる - shiraseru

The Japanese word 知らせる (しらせる) is an essential verb for anyone wishing to communicate clearly in the language. Its main meaning is "to inform" or "to notify," but its use goes beyond the simple transmission of information. In this article, we will explore what makes this word so useful in everyday Japanese, from its composition in kanji to the situations in which it naturally appears. If you have ever used the Suki Nihongo dictionary, you may have encountered it in practical sentences – now is the time to understand its cultural and grammatical context.

Meaning and usage of 知らせる

知らせる is a transitive verb that conveys the idea of making something known or communicating news. Unlike 教える (おしえる), which means "to teach," it specifically focuses on conveying new or relevant information. For example, notifying a colleague about a canceled meeting or informing family about a change of plans.

In Japanese culture, where indirect communication is valued, 知らせる often appears in contexts that require delicacy. Companies use this verb in formal announcements, and even in public notices, such as transportation announcements. Its versatility makes it common in both everyday conversations and written records.

Origin and composition of kanji

The verb 知らせる is formed by the kanji 知 (knowledge) combined with the suffix らせる, which indicates causative. This structure reveals its essence: "to make someone know." The radical 矢 (arrow) in 知 suggests precision, something that resonates in the use of the word to convey information clearly and directly.

It is worth noting that 知る (しる), the basic form of the verb, means "to know" or "to become aware." The causative version, 知らせる, expands this concept to the action of sharing knowledge. This relationship between the forms is a common pattern in Japanese and can aid in memorization.

Tips for using 知らせる correctly

A common mistake among students is to confuse 知らせる with 伝える (つたえる), which also means "to convey." While the former focuses on informing new facts, the latter is broader and can include stories or feelings. Pay attention to the object of the sentence: 知らせる usually appears with concrete information, such as times or events.

To practice, try to create sentences with real situations. If a Japanese friend asks you "どうして知らせなかったの？" (Why didn't you let me know?), you will already be immersed in the authentic use of the word. Animes and dramas often use 知らせる in everyday dialogues, which makes it even more relevant for learners.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 知らせる

• 知らせる - dictionary form
• 知らせます - Polite form ます
• 知らせた - past form
• 知らせて - imperative form

Synonyms and similar words

• 告げる (tsugeru) - Announce or inform something formally.
• 伝える (tsutaeru) - Transmit information or a message in a more general way.
• 知る (shiru) - To know or to have knowledge of something, usually in a passive way.
• 教える (oshieru) - Teach or inform someone about something, usually in a direct way.
• 通知する (tsuuchisuru) - Notify or give notice about something specific.

知らせる

Romaji: shiraseru
Kana: しらせる
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n4

Translation / Meaning: notify; to advise

Meaning in English: to notify;to advise

Definition: Announce. Also, let me know.

Example Sentences - (知らせる) shiraseru

See below some example sentences:

広告は消費者に製品やサービスを知らせるために重要です。

Koukoku wa shouhisha ni seihin ya saabisu wo shiraseru tame ni juuyou desu

Advertising is important to inform consumers about products and services.

Advertising is important to inform consumers about products and services.

• 広告 (koukoku) - Advertising
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 消費者 (shouhisha) - consumers
• に (ni) - target particle
• 製品 (seihin) - Products
• や (ya) - enumeration particle
• サービス (saabisu) - services
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 知らせる (shiraseru) - inform
• ために (tameni) - for
• 重要 (juuyou) - important
• です (desu) - verb to be

正式にお知らせいたします。

Shōshiki ni oshirase itashimasu

Let's inform you officially.

Let's inform you officially.

• 正式に - formally
• お知らせ - warning, notification
• いたします - expression of courtesy to indicate that something will be done

彼女に早く結婚の知らせを知らせたい。

Kanojo ni hayaku kekkon no shirase o shirasetai

I want to inform you of the wedding news as soon as possible.

• 彼女 - "girlfriend"
• に - particle indicating the target of the action, "to"
• 早く - "quickly"
• 結婚 - "marriage"
• の - particle indicating possession, "of"
• 知らせ - "news"
• を - particle indicating the direct object of the action, "to"
• 知らせたい - verb "to notify"