知らせる vs 伝える
Japanese word comparison
Listen to 知らせる
Listen to 伝える
| 知らせる | 伝える |
|---|---|
shi-RA-se-ru verb | つたえる verb |
| to inform; to let someone know | to convey; to tell; to pass on information |
How they differ
「知らせる」 focuses on making someone aware of a fact or event, often simply and directly. 「伝える」 is broader: it means to convey, transmit, or communicate information, feelings, or messages, and it can imply the content is passed along more deliberately.
When to use each
When to use 知らせる: Use 「知らせる」 when you want to say you informed someone or made them aware of something.
When to use 伝える: Use 「伝える」 when the emphasis is on conveying a message, feeling, or information rather than just informing someone.
Side-by-side examples
- 新しい住所を友達に知らせた。
(I informed my friend of my new address.) - 新しい住所を友達に伝えた。
(I conveyed my new address to my friend.)
Register & nuance: Both are common in everyday Japanese, but 「伝える」 is often used more broadly and can sound slightly more intentional or communicative.