教える|おしえるoshieru[0]heiban (flat)
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Definitions
- ichidan verb, transitive verbto teach; to instruct
- ichidan verb, transitive verbto tell; to inform; to show
- ichidan verb, transitive verbto preach
Conjugation
| Dictionary form | 教える（おしえる） |
|---|---|
| Polite (masu) | 教えます（おしえます） |
| Negative (nai) | 教えない（おしえない） |
| polite (masen) | 教えません（おしえません） |
| classical zu / nu | 教えず・教えぬ（おしえず・おしえぬ） |
| Past (ta) | 教えた（おしえた） |
| polite (mashita) | 教えました（おしえました） |
| Past negative (nakatta) | 教えなかった（おしえなかった） |
| polite (masen deshita) | 教えませんでした（おしえませんでした） |
| Te form | 教えて（おしえて） |
| Potential | 教えられる（おしえられる） |
| Passive | 教えられる（おしえられる） |
| Causative | 教えさせる（おしえさせる） |
| Causative passive | 教えさせられる（おしえさせられる） |
| Conditional (ba) | 教えれば（おしえれば） |
| tara | 教えたら（おしえたら） |
| Volitional | 教えよう（おしえよう） |
| polite (mashou) | 教えましょう（おしえましょう） |
| Imperative | 教えろ（おしえろ） |
Common forms generated by rule; see the senses for honorific or irregular usage.
Synonyms & antonyms
- Synonym教示きょうじFormalA formal, dignified word for instructing or informing; in business letters you ask for guidance with 「ご教示ください」.
- Synonym指南しなんWrittenA written word for instruction in the martial and traditional arts, as in 「ご指南」「指南役」; slightly old-fashioned and refined.
- Synonym伝授でんじゅWrittenWritten word for passing on the secrets of an art or craft, as in 「奥義を伝授する」; the object is a skill or art, not everyday information.
- Synonym授けるさずけるWrittenWritten word for granting or conferring from a superior to a subordinate, including imparting knowledge and skills; not used for simply telling someone something.
- Synonym仕込むしこむNeutralStrict training or drilling, as in 「芸を仕込む」; also means stocking up on goods or making preparations.
- Synonym教導きょうどうWrittenWritten word for guiding and edifying people through ideals or beliefs; almost never used in daily life.
- Related教育きょういくNeutralSystematic, long-term education and training, usually at the school or societal level; has no sense of telling someone a fact.
- Related指導しどうNeutralEmphasizes guidance and direction, typically teachers or coaches instructing students; not used for telling someone information.
- Related伝えるつたえるNeutralFocuses on conveying, relaying, or handing down, as in 「技術を後世に伝える」; when showing someone a method or answer in person, 「教える」 is the usual choice.
- Related案内あんないNeutralShowing the way or guiding someone around, or notifying them of schedules and procedures; close to 「教える」 when informing.
- Related教え込むおしえこむNeutralStresses teaching thoroughly and repeatedly until the learner has fully grasped it, with a nuance of drilling or instilling.
- Related育てるそだてるNeutralCenters on raising and nurturing so someone grows, a broader scope than 「教える」; does not cover telling information.
- Related薫陶くんとうWrittenShaping someone's character through one's own virtue and personal example; usually seen as 「薫陶を受ける」; solemn written style.
- Related訓育くんいくWrittenEducation that cultivates character and morals; found mainly in educational contexts, rarely in daily use.
- Antonym学ぶまなぶNeutralThe learner's-side counterpart of 「教える」: to study or learn; works in both written and spoken Japanese.
- Antonym教わるおそわるNeutralSaid from the learner's side about being taught by someone; the direct counterpart of 「教える」.
For everyday teaching and telling, 「教える」 is the default. Ask formally for information with 「ご教示」; use 「教育」 for systematic education and 「指導」 for skills coaching; use 「伝える」 to relay information. The other written words cover specialized or formal senses, while 「学ぶ」「教わる」 are the learner's-side antonyms.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese definitions
Kanji in this word
English equivalents
See also
