Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing 'advice' depends heavily on the situation. Direct translations like 助言 (jogen) exist but can sound formal or stiff. More commonly, you'll use verbs like 相談する (soudan suru) for 'asking for advice', or give suggestions using patterns like 〜たほうがいい (ta hou ga ii). The key is to match the level of directness and formality to your relationship with the listener.
ちょっと相談してもいいですか？
Can I ask for your advice?
アドバイスありがとう。
Thanks for the advice.
The speaker wants to seek guidance or an opinion from someone.
The most natural way to say 'ask for advice' or 'consult'. It implies a two-way discussion.
ちょっと相談したいことがあるんだけど。
I have something I'd like to get your advice on.
I don't know who to ask for advice.
Literally 'receive advice'. Common in casual conversation, especially among younger people.
先輩にアドバイスをもらった。
I got some advice from a senior colleague.
Formal expression for 'seek advice'. Used in official or written contexts.
専門家の助言を求めた。
I sought advice from an expert.
The speaker wants to recommend a course of action to someone.
The most common way to say 'you should...' or 'it's better to...'. Attach to the past tense plain form of a verb.
早く寝たほうがいいよ。
You should go to bed early. (advice)
彼に謝ったほうがいいと思う。
I think you should apologize to him.
A casual way to say 'why don't you...?'. Softens the suggestion into a question.
先生に聞いてみたらどう？
Why don't you ask the teacher? (advice)
Directly means 'to give advice'. Natural in casual settings, but can sound slightly direct.
私がアドバイスできることじゃないかも。
Maybe it's not something I can give advice on.
A formal noun meaning 'advice'. Often used with する (to advise) or 与える (to give advice).
Referring to a specific suggestion or recommendation.
The loanword is very common for a specific piece of advice, especially in casual speech.
いいアドバイスをありがとう。
Thanks for the good advice.
彼のアドバイスはいつも役に立つ。
His advice is always helpful.
More formal than アドバイス. Suitable for business or serious topics.
Implies a warning or cautionary advice. Stronger than 助言.
Acting on someone's suggestion.
Means 'to follow advice'. Natural in both casual and polite speech.
彼のアドバイスに従って、早めに準備した。
I followed his advice and prepared early.
Literally 'do as (someone) says'. Very common for following verbal advice.
お母さんの言う通りにしたほうがいいよ。
You should do as your mother says. (follow her advice)
Avoid directly translating 'give advice' as アドバイスをあげる, which can sound condescending. Use アドバイスをする or rephrase with 〜たほうがいい.
アドバイスをあげる
I'll give you some advice. (can sound patronizing)
助言 (jogen) is formal and often used in professional or written contexts. アドバイス (adobaisu) is casual and common in everyday speech. For most learners, アドバイス is the safer, more natural choice.
I received appropriate advice from my boss.
Thank you for your valuable advice.
医者の忠告を無視してはいけない。
You must not ignore the doctor's advice.