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.
Please let me know when you find out the results.
I informed him of the change.
Means 'to convey' or 'to tell'. Often used when passing on a message or information to someone.
Please inform him about that.
Literally 'to teach', but commonly used for 'to tell' or 'to inform' when sharing factual information.
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.
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.
I reported the progress to my boss.
Very formal, often used for official directives or circulars from an organization.
The new regulations were notified to all employees.
To inform someone discreetly, often about something not widely known; to tip off.
To continuously provide information or updates.
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.