Translation guide
Ways to express giving or receiving instructions, directions, or explanations in Japanese, from formal manuals to casual spoken guidance.
To refer to a set of written steps or official directions, such as in a user manual, recipe, or formal document.
The most common word for a printed instruction manual or explanatory booklet. Often used for appliance manuals, game instructions, etc.
Please read these instructions.
Please assemble it according to the instructions.
A written document containing specific orders or directives, often used in business or technical contexts.
Please follow the work instructions.
A procedure manual or step-by-step guide, emphasizing the sequence of actions.
Please proceed with the work while checking the procedure manual.
Loanword from English 'manual'. Commonly used for instruction manuals, especially in business or technical settings.
I created a manual for the new software.
To refer to verbal instructions, directions, or guidance given in person or over the phone.
General term for instructions, directions, or orders. Can be used for both spoken and written contexts, but very common for verbal guidance.
I received instructions from my boss.
Please act according to his instructions.
Explanation or directions. Often used when someone explains how to do something, like giving instructions on using a device.
Literally 'teach the way to do it'. A natural way to say 'give instructions' in casual conversation.
He gave me instructions on how to do it.
To refer to a sequence of steps, like in a recipe or DIY guide.
Procedure or steps. Commonly used in contexts like cooking recipes or assembly instructions.
Please tell me the cooking instructions.
I will proceed according to the steps.
How to make something. Very common for recipes or craft instructions.
To convey that someone is giving orders or directives, often in a hierarchical setting.
Order, command. Stronger than 指示, implying authority. Used in military, police, or strict business contexts.
He gave instructions (orders) to his subordinates.
Directive, command. Often used for official or organizational instructions.
To refer to the directions printed on a product label or medicine package.
Precautions for use. This is the standard phrase on medicine or chemical products, often translated as 'instructions' or 'directions'.
Please read the instructions for use carefully.
Dosage and administration. Specifically for medicine instructions.
Please follow the instructions (dosage and administration).
指示 (shiji) implies directives or orders, often from a person in authority. 説明 (setsumei) is a general explanation, not necessarily step-by-step. 手順 (tejun) specifically refers to a sequence of steps or procedures. Use 指示 for instructions from a boss, 説明 for explaining how something works, and 手順 for a recipe or assembly guide.
The English loanword インストラクション is not commonly used in Japanese. It may be understood in some technical contexts, but it's safer to use native terms like 説明書 or 指示.
使い方の説明を聞きました。
I listened to the instructions on how to use it.
Tell me the instructions for this cake.
We are waiting for instructions from headquarters.