Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Teach" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "teach", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
教える
おしえる (oshieru)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
教えます
おしえます (oshiemasu)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "teach" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 教える and 教えます.
In Japanese, 教える (おしえる (oshieru)) is typically associated with "to teach; to tell" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Can be used for teaching a subject.
On the other hand, 教えます (おしえます (oshiemasu)) maps to "to teach, to tell" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents 知識や情報を他人に伝える際に使います。教える内容は「を」、教える相手は「に」で示されます。/ Used when conveying knowledge or information to others. The content taught is marked with 'を', and the person taught is marked with 'に'.. A literal translation of "teach" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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.
Bilingual Context for "教えます"
子供にひらがなを教えます。
I teach hiragana to children.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は私に日本語を教えてくれました。" (Meaning: "He taught me Japanese.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "教える" fits here because it means "to teach; to tell" in the context of: "He taught me Japanese.". "教えます" represents "to teach, to tell".