Understanding “Oshieru” (教える)
Meaning and Usage
Oshieru is one of the first verbs Japanese learners encounter. It generally means “to teach,” “to inform,” or “to tell.” Its usage is broad and applies to various informal and formal situations where someone imparts knowledge, information, skills, or instructions.
- Example: 先生は日本語を教えます。
(Sensei wa Nihongo o oshiemasu.)
The teacher teaches Japanese. - Example: 友達に駅への行き方を教えた。
(Tomodachi ni eki e no ikikata o oshieta.)
I taught my friend how to get to the station.
Typical Contexts
- Explaining how to do something
- Imparting specific knowledge or skills
- Giving instructions or directions
Formality and Register
Oshieru is neutral in formality and can be made more polite with the “masu” form (oshie-masu). It is suitable for daily conversation, classrooms, and even business settings when teaching or explaining something.
Understanding “Kyouju Suru” (教授する)
Meaning and Usage
Kyouju suru is a more formal and academic verb. It means “to instruct,” “to give instruction,” or “to profess.” The word “kyouju” (教授) itself means “professor” or “instruction,” and when used as a verb, it implies a higher, more specialized level of teaching.
- Example: 彼は大学で物理学を教授しています。
(Kare wa daigaku de butsuri-gaku o kyouju shiteimasu.)
He teaches physics at the university.
Typical Contexts
- Academic or scholarly instruction
- University or specialized professional training
- Formal contexts where advanced knowledge is imparted
Formality and Register
Kyouju suru is highly formal and rarely used in casual conversation. It is reserved for academic, scientific, or technical teaching, often by someone with authority or expertise in the subject.
Key Differences Between “Oshieru” and “Kyouju Suru”
1. Level and Setting
Oshieru is suitable for everyday teaching and sharing of information, while kyouju suru is used for specialized, high-level academic or professional instruction.
2. Formality
Oshieru covers a wide range of formality, fitting both casual and polite situations. Kyouju suru is strictly formal and used in academic or professional environments.
3. Nuance and Implication
Oshieru suggests general teaching or telling, regardless of the depth or specialization. Kyouju suru implies systematic, expert instruction, often in a university or research context.
How to Choose the Right Verb When Speaking Japanese
If you are explaining how to do something, teaching a language, or giving directions, use oshieru. If you are describing formal, academic teaching or referring to a professor or expert imparting advanced knowledge, use kyouju suru.
Quick Reference Table
| Verb | Meaning | Context | Formality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oshieru (教える) | To teach, to tell, to instruct | Everyday, general teaching | Neutral to polite |
| Kyouju suru (教授する) | To instruct, to profess | Academic, specialized | Highly formal |
Practical Tips for Language Learners
- Listen for context in conversations and media. Notice when each verb is used and in what situations.
- Practice using oshieru for daily interactions such as explaining, instructing, or helping someone learn.
- Reserve kyouju suru for writing or speaking about formal education, university teaching, or expert-level instruction.
- Remember that native speakers rarely use kyouju suru in casual conversation. Use oshieru unless the context clearly calls for a formal register.
Conclusion
Distinguishing between oshieru and kyouju suru is an important step in mastering Japanese verbs and speaking naturally. Oshieru is your go-to verb for most teaching situations, while kyouju suru is reserved for formal, academic, or professional contexts. Keep practicing with these verbs in real-life scenarios, and rely on resources like Talkpal’s AI language learning blog to further enhance your Japanese proficiency.
