Translation guide
The act of telling someone something, often in a formal or official context. This guide covers how to express 'informing' in Japanese, from casual updates to formal notifications.
To tell someone something, to give information, to let someone know.
The most common and versatile verb for 'to inform' or 'to let someone know'. Used in both casual and formal contexts.
結果が分かったら知らせてください。
Please let me know when you find out the results.
彼に変更を知らせました。
I informed him of the change.
Means 'to convey' or 'to tell'. Often used when passing on a message or information to someone.
そのことを彼に伝えてください。
Please inform him about that.
Literally 'to teach', but commonly used for 'to tell' or 'to inform' when sharing factual information.
電話番号を教えてください。
Please tell me your phone number.
To formally notify or announce something, often in writing or in an official capacity.
Formal 'to notify' or 'to give notice'. Used for official announcements, written notices, or system notifications.
会議の日程をメールで通知します。
We will notify you of the meeting schedule by email.
To report, to inform (often upward to a superior or organization). Implies a formal report.
上司に進捗を報告しました。
I reported the progress to my boss.
Very formal, often 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 notified to all employees.
To inform someone discreetly, often about something not widely known; to tip off.
Literally 'to put into someone's ear', meaning to inform someone privately or give a hint.
ちょっと耳に入れておきたいことがあるんだけど。
There's something I want to tip you off about.
To inform on someone, to tip off authorities, often with a negative connotation (snitching).
彼は警察に密告した。
He informed the police.
To continuously provide information or updates.
To contact, to get in touch, to keep someone posted. Very common for staying in communication.
何かあったら連絡してください。
Please keep me informed if anything happens.
To report sequentially or as things happen; formal.
状況を逐次報告してください。
Please keep us informed of the situation as it develops.
知らせる is the most direct equivalent of 'inform' and is neutral. 伝える emphasizes the act of conveying a message. 教える is used when sharing information that the listener doesn't know, similar to 'tell me'.
The loanword インフォームする exists but is very unnatural in most contexts. Stick to native Japanese verbs.