How to say "guidelines" in Japanese

• 要綱ようこうCommon
  nounCovers guidelines as a concise outline of the main points of a plan or policy — the gist or general plan; typically a short document in which an organization sets out its basic approach.
• 指導方針しどうほうしん
  nounCovers guidelines as guiding principles or dictates — principles laid down to direct people's actions, typically by an organization; a less common word, best when that directive nuance is what you intend.

Choose 要綱 for guidelines that are a concise outline or gist of a plan or policy, and 指導方針 for guidelines in the sense of guiding principles or dictates that direct people's actions.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 要綱ようこうmain principle
• 指導方針しどうほうしんguidelines
• 指導要領しどうようりょうgovernment-approved curriculums