Japanese word of the day: 教える (Oshieru)

What does 教える (Oshieru) mean?

教える (Oshieru) (る-verb, transitive) – To teach; to tell; to inform; to instruct. This verb is used when you give information, explain something, or teach a skill to someone. It’s a fundamental verb in learning and communication.

Kanji details for 教

Character: 教 (teach, faith, doctrine)
Radical: rap 攴 (攵)

Example sentences with 教える (Oshieru)

• 先生は学生に日本語を教えます。
  (Sensei wa gakusei ni nihongo o oshiemasu.)
  👩‍🏫 The teacher teaches Japanese to the students.

• 道を教えてください。
  (Michi o oshiete kudasai.)
  🗺️ Please tell me the way.

• 彼女はピアノの弾き方を教えています。
  (Kanojo wa piano no hikikata o oshiete imasu.)
  🎹 She is teaching how to play the piano.

Confused about how to conjugate 教える (Oshieru)?
Our conjugation tables can help.

教える (Oshieru) in context

教える is a versatile and essential verb in Japanese used in education, daily conversation, and work. It covers everything from formal teaching in schools to casually giving directions or sharing information. You’ll often hear it in phrases like 教えてください (please teach/tell me) or 教わる (osowaru, to be taught).

A quick tip: The verb 教える is transitive, so it always takes a direct object (what is being taught or told). For receiving instruction, use 教わる (osowaru).

Whether you’re learning Japanese, giving instructions, or sharing knowledge, 教える is a key verb to master.