How do you say "Could you tell me?" in Japanese?

"Could you tell me?" in Japanese is "教えてください。". This phrase is commonly used in Japan.

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How to Say ‘Could you tell me?’ in Japanese

Q: What does "教えてください。" mean in English?

"教えてください。" means "Could you tell me?" in English. Usage tip: [教えてください] is a polite request meaning '[please tell me].' Very useful when asking for transportation info such as routes, times, or platforms.

教えてください。

oshie te kudasai

[oshi-e te kudasai]

💬 Usage Tip: [教えてください] is a polite request meaning '[please tell me].' Very useful when asking for transportation info such as routes, times, or platforms.

🇯🇵 In Japan: Customers often use this phrase with station staff, hotel staff, or tour desk workers. It sounds natural and respectful.

Phrase Breakdown

教えて

oshie te

Please tell me / tell (me)

The て-form of 教える (to teach/tell) used to make a polite request when followed by ください.

Example

友だちに道を教えてください。

Please tell me the way.

Words in this phrase

教え

oshie

[oshi-e]

teach; tell

The stem meaning to tell or teach, used in a polite request expression.

Example

空港までの道を教えてください。

Please tell me the way to the airport.

て

[te]

and; please do

The te-form connector that helps make a request when followed by ください.

Example

行き方を教えてください。

Please tell me how to get there.

ください

kudasai

[kudasai]

please

Used after te-form to make a polite request to a customer service worker or guide.

Example

バス停の場所を教えてください。

Please tell me where the bus stop is.

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