Translation guide
How to express the idea of directing someone or something in Japanese, covering giving directions, managing activities, and guiding attention.
Telling someone how to get somewhere or pointing them in the right direction.
The most natural way to say 'give directions' or 'tell someone the way'. Literally 'teach the road'.
駅への道を教えてもらえますか？
Could you direct me to the station?
To guide or show someone the way, often used when physically accompanying them or providing detailed guidance.
彼が会場まで案内してくれた。
He directed me to the venue.
Literally 'indicate the direction'. More formal and less common in daily conversation.
地図で方向を示してください。
Please indicate the direction on the map.
Being in charge of a project, team, or process and telling people what to do.
To direct or command, often used for leading a team, orchestra, or operation. Implies authority.
彼がプロジェクトを指揮している。
He is directing the project.
To supervise or oversee, common in contexts like film directing, sports coaching, or managing workers.
彼女は映画を監督した。
She directed the movie.
To guide or instruct, often with a teaching or mentoring nuance. Used for directing students or trainees.
先生が生徒の研究を指導している。
The teacher is directing the students' research.
To give instructions or orders. Very common in workplace settings.
上司が部下に仕事を指示した。
The boss directed the staff on their tasks.
Pointing someone's attention toward something specific.
To direct one's attention to something. Natural and widely used.
その問題に注意を向けてください。
Please direct your attention to that issue.
Literally 'turn one's eyes to', meaning to direct one's gaze or attention. Slightly more visual.
彼は窓の外に目を向けた。
He directed his gaze outside the window.
指揮する implies commanding or leading with authority (e.g., an orchestra, a military operation). 監督する is used for overseeing a process or production (e.g., film, construction). 指導する focuses on teaching or mentoring (e.g., a coach, a teacher).
監督が俳優に演技を指導した。
The director instructed the actor on their performance.
The English verb 'direct' covers many meanings. Using a single Japanese word like ダイレクトする (direct suru) is not natural. Choose the appropriate verb based on context.
彼女はチームを成功に導いた。
She directed the team to success.
導く (michibiku) is a natural choice for leading to an outcome.
苦情はマネージャーにお伝えください。
Please direct your complaints to the manager.
In this context, 'direct' means to address or send, so 伝える (tsutaeru) works.