Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Guide" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "guide", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
案内
あんない (annai)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
手引き
てびき (tebiki)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "guide" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 案内 and 手引き.
In Japanese, 案内 (あんない (annai)) is typically associated with "guide; guidance; conducting; showing around" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to guiding, showing around, conducting, or providing guidance and instructions for a path or contents. Often used as 案内板 or 道案内. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Guidance! "Please guide me, Haruka-san!" ...っ, I-I will guide you through your entire life, so make sure you follow me strictly!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『あんない（案内）！『僕を引っ張って案内してください、ハルカさん！』って…っ、あんたの人生全部、私が完璧に案内（エスコート）してあげるから、死ぬまで私についてきなさい！』.
On the other hand, 手引き (てびき (tebiki)) maps to "guide, guidance, manual, introduction" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 物事を始める際や、ある分野に進む際に、必要な知識や方法を教えたり、案内したりすること。また、そのための書物。. A literal translation of "guide" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "案内"
観光客が迷わないように、駅の出口には分かりやすい_______板が設置されていました。
To prevent tourists from getting lost, an easy-to-understand guide board was installed at the exit of the station.
Bilingual Context for "手引き"
新入社員のために、仕事の手引きを作成した。
We created a work manual for the new employees.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "観光客が迷わないように、駅の出口には分かりやすい_______板が設置されていました。" (Meaning: "To prevent tourists from getting lost, an easy-to-understand guide board was installed at the exit of the station.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "案内" fits here because it means "guide; guidance; conducting; showing around" in the context of: "To prevent tourists from getting lost, an easy-to-understand guide board was installed at the exit of the station.". "手引き" represents "guide, guidance, manual, introduction".