How to say "advise" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 勧めるすすめるichidan verb, transitive verbAdvising someone to do something: recommending or encouraging a course of action, as when a doctor advises rest or a friend urges you to apply for a job.
- 言い聞かせるいいきかせるichidan verb, transitive verbAdvising by talking to someone: patiently explaining what they should do, or warning them, in order to persuade; the kind of advice a parent gives a child.
- 諭すさとすgodan verb, transitive verbAdvising by pointing out a fault or mistake and reasoning with the person until they understand; close to admonishing, the way a teacher or boss might set someone straight.
- 知らせるしらせるichidan verb, transitive verbFor advise meaning notify or inform: letting someone know a decision, a change of plans, or that something has been settled. It is not the word for advising someone what to do.
- 呼びかけるよびかけるichidan verb, transitive verbAdvise only in the sense of urging or exhorting: appealing to the public or a group to do something, as a government or campaign does. It is not the word for personal, one-to-one advice.
Choose 「勧める」 to recommend an action, 「言い聞かせる」 to persuade someone by talking, 「諭す」 to reason with them over a fault, 「知らせる」 when advise means notify, and 「呼びかける」 for public appeals.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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