躾ける

しつける

to discipline, to teach manners

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The verb 躾ける (しつける) primarily means "to discipline" or "to teach manners." It is often used in contexts involving raising children or training pets, emphasizing the teaching of proper behavior and social rules.

Common Contexts

  • Teaching children good manners and social etiquette.
  • Training pets, especially dogs, to behave properly.
  • Instilling discipline or social norms in others.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 躾ける + 子供 (しつける + こども): to discipline children.
  • 躾ける + 犬 (しつける + いぬ): to train a dog.
  • 躾ける + 礼儀 (しつける + れいぎ): to teach manners.

Register and Nuance

This verb is somewhat formal and often appears in written or polite spoken Japanese. It implies a careful, intentional process of teaching discipline or manners rather than casual correction.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse 躾ける with simple "to teach" verbs like 教える (おしえる). 躾ける specifically involves discipline and manners, not just imparting knowledge. Avoid using it for academic teaching contexts.

Example Sentences

こどもにはれいぎただしくするようにしつけることがたいせつです。

It is important to discipline children to be polite.

いぬをいえのなかでそそうしないようにしつけるのはじかんがかかります。

Training a dog not to make a mess inside the house takes time.

おやはこどもにしゃかいのルールをしつけるせきにんがあります。

Parents have the responsibility to teach their children social rules.