Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 言う | iu | [jɯ̟ː] (narrow) [iɯ̟] (narrow) |
|
| 教える | oshieru | [o̞ɕie̞ɾɯ̟] (narrow) | |
| 述べる | noberu | [no̞be̞ɾɯ̟] (narrow) | |
| おっしゃる | ossharu | [o̞ɕːa̠ɾɯ̟] (narrow) | honorific |
| 申す | mōsu | [mo̞ːsɨ] (narrow) [ma̠sɨ] (narrow) |
humble |
| 申し上げる | mōshiageru | [mo̞ːɕia̠ɡe̞ɾɯ̟] (narrow) | humble |
The Japanese language uses different verbs for 'tell' depending on whether you are focusing on the act of uttering words, the transmission of information or the social status of the people involved.
Which one should you use?
The verb 言う focuses on the act of speaking or the content of the words being said. In contrast, 教える is used when the act of telling involves imparting information, knowledge or directions to someone. Finally, 述べる is used to mean 'to state' or 'to express' an opinion or fact.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
There are several levels of politeness for this concept. For a superior or someone you wish to respect, use the honorific おっしゃる. To describe your own speaking actions to someone of higher status, use the humble form 申す. If you are in a professional or highly formal setting, you can use the even more formal and polite humble form 申し上げる. For formal contexts like speeches, reports or official statements, use 述べる.
How do you pronounce it?
iu
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using 教える if you are simply repeating words someone said. Use 言う instead.
Did you know?
- The verb 教える is used not just for 'telling' or 'teaching' information, but also for giving someone your phone number or address.
- The honorific おっしゃる is actually a linguistic contraction of the phrase おおせある, which combines 'word' and 'to exist'.
- While 言う means 'to say' or 'to tell', it is also used to express a strong desire or demand when followed by certain grammar patterns.
Examples in context
- 無理言うなよ。Don't tell me what I can't do.This sentence shows how to use 言う in a command regarding unreasonable requests.Tatoeba #11015319 by small_snow, translation #3201006 by CK
- 誰にも言うなよ。Don't tell anyone.This sentence shows how to use 言う to instruct someone to keep a secret.Tatoeba #2469769 by tommy_san, translation #1860408 by CK
- 二度と嘘を言うな。Never tell a lie again.This sentence shows how to use 言う to warn against lying.Tatoeba #123035 by bunbuku, translation #280965 by CK
- 伝えてください。Please tell (me/us).
- それを友達に言ってください。Please tell that to your friend.
- その作業手順を教えてもらえますか？Can you tell me the procedure for that task?
- 96 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hiyori and Hiroto are discussing a secret plan.
- 陽葵 Himari本当のことを言ってください。Hontou no koto o itte kudasai.Please tell me the truth.
- 大翔 Hiroto今はまだ言えません。Ima wa mada iemasen.I can't tell you yet.
- 陽葵 Himariどうして言わないの？Doushite iwanai no?Why won't you tell me?
- 大翔 Hiroto後で全部言うよ。Ato de zenbu iu yo.I'll tell you everything later.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tell” translations and entries 言う, 教える, 述べる, おっしゃる, 申す, 申し上げる, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries おっしゃる, 教える, 言う, 述べる, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
