案内する
annai suru
The English verb "lead" can be translated into Japanese as 案内する (annai suru) or 導く.
Meaning: guide or conduct in a certain course (verb)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 案内する | annai suru | |
| 導く | michibiku | [mʲit͡ɕibʲikɯ̟] (narrow) |
案内する is the standard term for providing information or directions to a person, like a concierge or a host. If you mean to lead or guide in an abstract or profound sense, such as leading someone to a realization, a conclusion or a certain way of thinking, use 導く.
Which one should you use?
案内する is used for showing someone around or giving directions, while 導く is used for more abstract or metaphorical forms of leading.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The polite form of 案内する is 案内します. The past tense of 導く is 導いた.
How do you pronounce it?
annai suru
Did you know?
- When using 案内する to guide someone, a Japanese person will often use a hand gesture with the palm facing up and fingers extended, rather than pointing with one finger.
- If you are 'leading' a discussion in a meeting, Japanese speakers often use the word 進行する (shinkou suru), which focuses more on the 'progress' of the event than the act of guiding people.
- The verb 導く likely comes from the words for 'path' and 'to pull', literally meaning 'to pull someone along a path'.
Examples in context
- 彼の見地によれば、英語による支配は人類の遺産を脅かす。「単一の言語」は、カネと消費主義に取り憑かれた「単一の考え方」に導くという、より悪しき危険をもたらす。In his view, the domination by English is a threat to the heritage of humanity. It poses an even worse risk: This "single language" will lead to a "single thought" obsessed with money and consumerism.This example shows the use of 導く regarding leading to a certain way of thinking.Tatoeba #4715162 by anhgosho, translation #3393980 by Malape
- 移行を導くか、さもなくば退陣するかである。He can lead that transition, or get out of the way.This example shows the use of 導く regarding leading a transition.
- お客様を会議室へ案内する。Okyakusama o kaigishitsu e annai suru.I will guide the guest to the meeting room.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lead” translations and entries 導く, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 導く, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
