教える vs 教授する
Japanese word comparison
Listen to 教える
Listen to 教授する
| 教える | 教授する |
|---|---|
o-SHI-e-ru verb (transitive) | きょうじゅする verb (transitive) |
| to teach; to instruct; to tell (information) | to lecture; to teach (typically at university level); to profess |
How they differ
教授する is a formal, academic term usually used for university-level lecturing or official teaching roles, whereas 教える is a general verb usable in casual and formal contexts for teaching or telling.
When to use each
When to use 教える: Prefer 教える for everyday teaching situations, casual lessons, or when speaking informally about teaching.
When to use 教授する: Prefer 教授する when describing formal academic instruction, university lectures, or official appointment as a professor.
Side-by-side examples
- 彼は大学で物理を教えている。
(He teaches physics at the university.) - 彼は大学で物理を教授している。
(He lectures in physics at the university / He is a professor of physics.)
Register & nuance: 教授する is formal and academic, frequently used in written language, official contexts, or when referring to university professors.