アドバイス
adobaisu[a̠do̞ba̠isɨ̥]
The English word 'advice' can be translated into Japanese as アドバイス (adobaisu), 助言 or 忠告.
Meaning: opinion offered to guide behavior (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| アドバイス | adobaisu | [a̠do̞ba̠isɨ̥] (narrow) |
| 助言 | jogen | [d͡ʑo̞ɡẽ̞ɴ] (narrow) |
| 忠告 | chūkoku | [t͡ɕɨːko̞kɯ̟] (narrow) |
Japanese uses different words for 'advice' depending on whether you are offering a suggestion, providing professional guidance or issuing a stern warning.
Which one should you use?
While アドバイス is a general loanword for advice, 助言 is a formal term used to mean advice or a suggestion, often in professional or respectful contexts. In contrast, 忠告 carries a much stronger nuance of an admonition or a warning, frequently used when someone is being told to stop a bad behavior.
How do you pronounce it?
adobaisu
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the verb 言う (iu – to say) with アドバイス.
Did you know?
- The kanji in 忠告 includes 忠, which means 'loyalty'. This implies that a stern warning is given out of a deep sense of duty or loyalty to the other person.
- While アドバイス is a loanword from English, it is often used in Japanese to sound softer and less intrusive than the native words for 'advice'.
- If you use 忠告 (chuukoku) to a superior, such as a boss or teacher, it can come across as incredibly rude or even confrontational because of its strong warning nuance.
Examples in context
- ご忠告に従います。I'll act on your advice.This sentence shows how to express acting on 忠告.Tatoeba #217069 by bunbuku, translation #16987 by CK
- ご助言、感謝します。I appreciate your advice.This sentence is useful for expressing appreciation for 助言.Tatoeba #3401018 by arnab, translation #1933593 by CK
- 彼は私の助言を求めた。He asked for my advice.This sentence shows how to use 助言 when someone is seeking guidance.Tatoeba #105786 by bunbuku, translation #297901 by CK
- 彼女から良いアドバイスをもらった。I received good advice from her.
- 専門家の助言を求めた。I sought the guidance of an expert.
- 160 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui is asking Yota for help with her career.
- 結衣 Yui仕事について、アドバイスをいただけますか？Shigoto ni tsuite, adobaisu o itadakemasu ka?Could you give me some advice about my work?
- 陽太 Yotaもちろんです。僕でよければ。Mochiron desu. Boku de yokereba.Of course. If it helps you.
- 結衣 Yuiありがとうございます。とても心強いです。Arigatou gozaimasu. Totemo kokorozuyoi desu.Thank you. That is very encouraging.
- 陽太 Yotaいつでも相談してくださいね。Itsudemo soudan shite kudasai ne.Please feel free to consult me anytime.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “advice” translations and entries アドバイス, 助言, 忠告, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
