A1 noun Neutral #2,548 most common

案内

annai /ã̠nːaɪ/

The act of guiding or showing someone the way, or providing information about a place, event, or service. It is commonly used when giving a tour, directing someone to a destination, or sending out an invitation or notice.

Examples

3 of 5
1

駅まで案内します。

I will guide you to the station.

2

会場をご案内いたします。

I will show you to the venue.

3

京都を案内するよ。

I'll show you around Kyoto.

Word Family

Noun
案内
Verb
案内する
Related
案内人
💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'Ann' as your 'Guide'. Ann-ai shows you the inside (nai) of the plan (an).

Quick Quiz

はじめて東京に来た友達に、街を___しました。

Correct!

The correct answer is: 案内

Examples

1

駅まで案内します。

everyday

I will guide you to the station.

2

会場をご案内いたします。

formal

I will show you to the venue.

3

京都を案内するよ。

informal

I'll show you around Kyoto.

4

この資料は図書館の利用案内です。

academic

This document is a guide for using the library.

5

新商品の案内をメールで送りました。

business

I sent the new product information via email.

Word Family

Noun
案内
Verb
案内する
Related
案内人

Common Collocations

道案内 giving directions
案内所 information desk
案内図 guide map
案内状 invitation/notice letter
館内案内 floor guide / building information

Common Phrases

ご案内します

I will show you the way (polite).

案内板を見る

To look at a notice board/guide sign.

道に迷って案内を頼む

To get lost and ask for directions.

Often Confused With

案内 vs 紹介

Shokai is for introducing a person or a thing for the first time, while Annai is for showing someone around a physical place or providing operational info.

📝

Usage Notes

It can function as both a noun and a suru-verb. In professional settings, it is almost always used with the polite prefix 'go' as 'go-annai'.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes use this word when they mean 'to introduce a friend,' which should be 'shokai'.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'Ann' as your 'Guide'. Ann-ai shows you the inside (nai) of the plan (an).

📖

Word Origin

Composed of 案 (plan/idea) and 内 (inside), originally referring to knowing the internal details of a matter.

Grammar Patterns

Noun + する to form a verb. Place + を + 案内する (To guide through a place). Person + を + Place + まで + 案内する (To guide a person to a place).
🌍

Cultural Context

In Japan, service staff will often say 'O-kyaku-sama, go-annai itashimasu' before leading you to a table or room, reflecting high levels of hospitality.

Quick Quiz

はじめて東京に来た友達に、街を___しました。

Correct!

The correct answer is: 案内

Related Words

協力

A1

Cooperation or collaboration where two or more people combine their efforts to achieve a common goal. It is used in both personal and professional settings to describe working together as a team or providing assistance.

提案

A1

A suggestion or proposal of a plan or idea for others to consider. It is used in both casual conversations and professional meetings to introduce a potential course of action.

輸出

A1

The act of sending goods or services produced in one country to another country for sale or trade. In Japanese, it functions as a noun and a suru-verb, representing the 'exit' of products from a domestic market.

輸入

A1

The act of bringing goods, services, or materials into a country from abroad for sale or use. In Japanese, it functions as a noun or can be combined with 'suru' to become a verb meaning 'to import'.

資源

A1

Shigen refers to valuable materials or assets, such as natural minerals, energy sources, or human talent, that can be used for production or survival. It is widely used in economics, environmental science, and daily life to describe both raw materials and abstract wealth.

保護

A1

The act of keeping someone or something safe from harm, damage, or loss by providing care or creating boundaries. It is a versatile term in Japanese used for social welfare, environmental conservation, and digital security.

観察

A1

Observation is the act of watching someone or something carefully in order to gain information or understand a process. It is frequently used in scientific studies, nature analysis, and describing the act of paying close attention to details.

競争

A1

Kyousou refers to the act of competing or vying with others to achieve a goal, win a prize, or establish superiority. It is a versatile term used in sports, business, and academics to describe both structured contests and general rivalry.

拡大

A1

The act of making something larger in size, scale, or scope. It is frequently used for physical enlargement (like a photo) or abstract growth (like a business or a problem).

製造

A1

The process of making or producing goods, typically on a large scale using machinery. It refers specifically to industrial manufacturing rather than making things by hand on a small scale.

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