Translation guide
How to express the idea of giving or receiving instruction, directions, or teaching in Japanese, organized by context and formality.
To provide knowledge or skill through systematic teaching, like in a class or training.
The most common verb for teaching or instructing someone. Can be used for academic subjects, skills, or general knowledge.
彼は高校で数学を教えています。
He teaches math at a high school.
料理の作り方を教えてください。
Please teach me how to cook this dish.
More formal than 教える, implies guidance or coaching, often used in sports, clubs, or professional training.
新入社員を指導するのは大変です。
It's tough to instruct new employees.
Refers to formal education or upbringing, often used in institutional contexts.
子供たちを教育することは社会の責任だ。
Educating children is society's responsibility.
To tell someone what to do, often in a step-by-step manner or as a command.
Used for giving specific instructions, directions, or orders. Common in work settings or when guiding someone through a process.
上司が私に新しい仕事を指示した。
My boss instructed me on the new task.
画面の指示に従ってください。
Please follow the on-screen instructions.
Stronger than 指示する, implies a command or order. Can sound harsh if used in casual contexts.
Avoid using for polite requests; it sounds like a military or authoritative command.
隊長が兵士に前進を命令した。
The captain ordered the soldiers to advance.
Literally 'teach the way to do it', a natural way to say you'll instruct someone on how to do something.
この機械のやり方を教えましょうか？
Shall I instruct you on how to use this machine?
Referring to a set of instructions, often in a manual, guide, or recipe.
The standard word for an instruction manual or explanatory booklet.
組み立てる前に説明書を読んでください。
Please read the instructions before assembling.
Refers to a procedure or steps, often used in technical or operational contexts.
Loanword for 'manual', commonly used for instruction books.
To express that you are receiving instruction from someone.
The passive/receptive form of 教える, meaning to be taught or to receive instruction. Humble when referring to oneself.
私はピアノを先生に教わりました。
I received instruction in piano from my teacher.
Formal way to say you are receiving guidance or instruction.
彼は有名なコーチから指導を受けている。
He is receiving instruction from a famous coach.
教える focuses on imparting knowledge or skill, while 指示する is about giving specific directions or orders. Use 教える for teaching and 指示する for instructing someone to do a task.
命令する means 'to command' and can sound very harsh or military. For everyday instructions, use 指示する or 教える instead.
For safety, please follow the instructions.
新しいソフトのマニュアルは分厚い。
The manual for the new software is thick.