教える

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 教える is read as おしえる and is a transitive verb meaning to teach knowledge or a method, or tell someone information or directions.
• Basic usage: Teaching stroke order appears in 漢字の書き順を教える, while asking for a shortcut to the station appears in 駅への近道を教える.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Teaching and giving information
  • Context distinguishes teaching material for learning from providing needed information such as directions.
• Difference from 習う
  • This is the teacher’s action and contrasts in viewpoint with 習う, the learner’s act of acquiring knowledge or skill.