Meaning and Usage
The verb 教える (おしえる) primarily means "to teach" or "to inform." It is used when someone imparts knowledge, skills, or information to another person. This can be formal teaching, like a teacher instructing students, or informal, like giving directions or explaining how to do something.
Common Contexts
- Teaching a subject or skill: 先生は学生に数学を教える (The teacher teaches math to students).
- Giving information or directions: 道を教えてください (Please tell me the way).
- Explaining how to do something: 料理の作り方を教える (Teach how to cook).
Collocations and Patterns
- 教える + を + noun: to teach or inform about something.
- 教えてください: polite request to be taught or informed.
- 教えてくれる: someone teaches or informs you (with a nuance of kindness or favor).
Register and Politeness
教える is a standard verb used in both casual and polite speech. When making requests, adding ください (教えてください) makes it polite. The verb can be used in formal contexts, especially in education or customer service.
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse 教える with 習う (ならう), which means "to learn." Remember, 教える is from the teacher's perspective (to teach), while 習う is from the learner's perspective (to learn).