教える vs 指導する
Japanese word comparison
Listen to 教える
Listen to 指導する
| 教える | 指導する |
|---|---|
o-SHI-e-ru verb (transitive) | しどうする verb (transitive) |
| to teach; to instruct; to tell (information) | to guide; to coach; to give instruction or supervision |
How they differ
指導する implies organized guidance, coaching, or supervision over time (often with correction and evaluation), while 教える can be a one-time explanation or casual teaching; 指導する carries a more managerial/mentoring nuance.
When to use each
When to use 教える: Prefer 教える for general, everyday teaching or when simply explaining how to do something.
When to use 指導する: Prefer 指導する when referring to coaching, mentoring, training, or formally supervising someone's development or performance.
Side-by-side examples
- 先生は学生に英語を教えている。
(The teacher is teaching English to the students.) - コーチは選手の技術を指導している。
(The coach is instructing/coaching the players' technique.)
Register & nuance: 指導する is slightly more formal and is commonly used in institutional, educational, sports, or workplace contexts.