Translation guide
The English verb 'inform' means to tell someone about something, often in a formal or official context. In Japanese, the best choice depends on the relationship, formality, and whether you are giving notice, reporting, or simply letting someone know.
To tell someone something, often in a neutral or slightly formal way. This is the most common meaning.
The most common and versatile verb for 'inform' or 'let someone know'. Used in both casual and formal settings.
Please inform me if there are any changes.
I informed him of the results.
Means 'to convey' or 'to tell'. Slightly softer than 知らせる, often used when passing on a message.
Please inform him of that matter.
Literally 'to teach', but commonly used to mean 'to tell/inform' when sharing information someone doesn't know.
Please inform me of your address.
To inform in a formal, official, or business context, often in writing.
Formal 'notify' used for official announcements, written notices, or system alerts.
The results will be notified by email.
Please notify us of changes in advance.
Means 'to report'. Used when informing a superior or organization about findings, progress, or incidents.
I informed my boss of the situation.
Very formal, used for official directives or circulars from an organization.
The new regulations were communicated to all employees.
To give information about someone's misdeeds to authorities.
To inform on someone, often secretly, to authorities. Has a negative nuance of betrayal.
He informed on his accomplices to the police.
To report to the police or authorities, often about a crime or emergency. Less secretive than 密告.
I informed the police about a suspicious person.
Slang for 'to snitch' or 'tattle'. Very casual, often used among children or in informal settings.
To continuously inform someone about developments.
知らせる is general and can be used in casual or formal situations. 通知する is strictly formal and often implies an official written notice or system notification. Use 通知する for business emails, app alerts, or legal notices.
English 'inform' can sound stiff. In Japanese, using 知らせる or 伝える is often more natural than a direct formal equivalent unless the context demands it. For simple 'tell', 言う (いう) may be enough.
Don't inform on me to the teacher.