What is the difference between "おしえる" and "教える"?

"おしえる" means "to teach, to tell" (N5), whereas "教える" represents "to teach; to tell" (N5).

Kanji Homophone Battle

Pronunciation Trap: "おしえる (oshieru)"

Same sound, completely different Kanji! Choose the right conceptual writing.

Kanji Option A

おしえる (oshieru)

N5 / CEFR

Kanji Option B

おしえる (oshieru)

N5 / CEFR

In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "おしえる (oshieru)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.

おしえる (Level: N5): Translates to "to teach, to tell" and is used when To impart knowledge or information. Can also mean 'to tell'.
教える (Level: N5): Maps to "to teach; to tell" and carries the nuance of Can be used for teaching a subject.

Mixing these up can easily result in unnatural writing. Look at the bilingual context cards below to master the conceptual boundaries!

Bilingual Context for "おしえる"

私は学生に日本語をおしえます。

I teach Japanese to students.

Bilingual Context for "教える"

彼は私に日本語を教えてくれました。

He taught me Japanese.

Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?

Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "私は学生に日本語をおしえます。" (Meaning: "I teach Japanese to students.")

🎉 Correct Answer!

Correct! "おしえる" is used for "to teach, to tell" in the context: "I teach Japanese to students.".