Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Guide" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "guide", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
案内する
あんないする (annai suru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
案内
あんない (annai)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "guide" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 案内する and 案内.
In Japanese, 案内する (あんないする (annai suru)) is typically associated with "to guide, to show around" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents A する-verb. Used when showing someone the way or giving a tour..
On the other hand, 案内 (あんない (annai)) maps to "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！』. A literal translation of "guide" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "案内する"
私が東京の観光地を案内します。
I will show you around the tourist spots in Tokyo.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "私が東京の観光地を案内します。" (Meaning: "I will show you around the tourist spots in Tokyo.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "案内する" fits here because it means "to guide, to show around" in the context of: "I will show you around the tourist spots in Tokyo.". "案内" represents "guide; guidance; conducting; showing around".