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.
変更があれば知らせてください。
Please inform me if there are any changes.
彼に結果を知らせた。
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.
そのことを彼に伝えてください。
Please inform him of that matter.
Literally 'to teach', but commonly used to mean 'to tell/inform' when sharing information someone doesn't know.
住所を教えてください。
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.
結果はメールで通知されます。
The results will be notified by email.
変更を事前に通知してください。
Please notify us of changes in advance.
Means 'to report'. Used when informing a superior or organization about findings, progress, or incidents.
上司に状況を報告した。
I informed my boss of the situation.
Very formal, used for official directives or circulars from an organization.
新しい規則が全社員に通達された。
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.
彼は仲間を警察に密告した。
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.
不審な人物を警察に通報した。
I informed the police about a suspicious person.
Slang for 'to snitch' or 'tattle'. Very casual, often used among children or in informal settings.
先生にチクるなよ。
Don't inform on me to the teacher.
To continuously inform someone about developments.
To report sequentially or keep someone updated. Common in business.
進捗を逐次報告してください。
Please keep me informed of the progress.
To maintain close communication. Implies frequent updates.
何かあれば連絡を密にしてください。
Please keep me closely informed if anything happens.
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.