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'.
Could you direct me to the station?
To guide or show someone the way, often used when physically accompanying them or providing detailed guidance.
He directed me to the venue.
Literally 'indicate the direction'. More formal and less common in daily conversation.
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.
He is directing the project.
To supervise or oversee, common in contexts like film directing, sports coaching, or managing workers.
She directed the movie.
To guide or instruct, often with a teaching or mentoring nuance. Used for directing students or trainees.
To give instructions or orders. Very common in workplace settings.
The boss directed the staff on their tasks.
Pointing someone's attention toward something specific.
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).
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.
She directed the team to success.
導く (michibiku) is a natural choice for leading to an outcome.
Please direct your complaints to the manager.
In this context, 'direct' means to address or send, so 伝える (tsutaeru) works.
The teacher is directing the students' research.