Translation guide
The English word 'guidance' covers a range of situations from giving advice and direction to formal counseling and navigation. This guide organizes the most useful Japanese expressions by the specific meaning you want to convey.
Expressing that you are giving someone helpful suggestions, recommendations, or direction on what to do.
A general term for advice or counsel. Often used when someone with more experience or knowledge gives suggestions.
先生から進路について助言をもらった。
I received guidance from my teacher about my career path.
A common loanword for advice. Casual and widely used in daily conversation.
先輩に就活のアドバイスを求めた。
I asked my senior for guidance on job hunting.
Guidance in the sense of instruction, coaching, or leading someone. Often used in educational or sports contexts.
彼は新入社員の指導を任された。
He was put in charge of guiding the new employees.
A guiding principle, policy, or guideline. More formal and often used in official documents.
この計画は政府の指針に沿っている。
This plan follows the government's guidance.
Referring to professional or personal help with emotional, psychological, or life problems.
The standard term for psychological counseling or therapy.
彼女は失恋の後、カウンセリングを受けた。
She received guidance (counseling) after the breakup.
Consultation or seeking advice. Broader than counseling; can be used for any kind of personal or professional advice-seeking.
Giving or receiving directions, especially in the context of travel or movement.
Guidance in the sense of showing the way, leading, or providing information about a place.
観光案内所で地図をもらった。
I got a map at the tourist guidance center.
Guiding or leading someone physically, often used for directing crowds or vehicles.
Short for navigation, often used for car GPS or app-based directions.
カーナビの音声案内に従って運転した。
I drove following the guidance from the car navigation system.
Referring to rules, policies, or standards set by an authority.
The direct loanword for guidelines. Commonly used in business, government, and technical contexts.
新しい安全ガイドラインが発表された。
New safety guidance has been announced.
A guiding principle or policy. More formal than ガイドライン.
A manual or handbook that provides guidance on how to do something.
Referring to direction or inspiration believed to come from a higher power or inner sense.
Guidance in a spiritual or profound sense, often implying being led by a higher force or deep intuition.
神の導きを信じて進む。
I move forward trusting in divine guidance.
A revelation or oracle, often from a deity. Used in religious or superstitious contexts.
Both mean 'advice,' but 助言 is slightly more formal and often implies a mentor-like relationship. アドバイス is casual and used in everyday situations. In business, アドバイス is common, but 助言 can sound more respectful.
English uses 'guidance' broadly (e.g., 'under the guidance of...'), but Japanese often uses more specific words like 指導 (instruction), 助言 (advice), or 案内 (direction). Using a direct translation like ガイダンス is limited to certain contexts like school orientation or system guidance.
悩み事があればいつでも相談に乗ります。
If you have any worries, I'm always here to offer guidance.
Life counseling or advice about personal life problems. Often seen in advice columns.
雑誌の人生相談コーナーに手紙を送った。
I sent a letter to the magazine's guidance column.
警備員が避難誘導を行った。
The security guard provided evacuation guidance.
We design the curriculum according to the educational guidance.
This guidance manual contains details of the application procedure.
The shrine maiden conveyed the divine guidance.