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コツを教える (to share tips/the knack)

Grammar & Usage

verb phrase

neutral

How it works

This phrase combines the noun コツ (kotsu, meaning 'knack', 'trick', or 'secret'), the direct object particle を (o), and the transitive verb 教える (oshieru, 'to teach' or 'to tell'). It is used to describe passing on useful techniques, insider methods, or practical advice to someone. The recipient of the tips is marked with the particle に (ni).

Sample sentences

先輩が仕事を効率よく終わらせるコツを教えてくれた。

My senior colleague shared tips with me on how to finish work efficiently.

初心者でも失敗しない料理のコツを教えてもらえますか？

Could you teach me some cooking tips so that even a beginner won't mess up?

彼は後輩にギターを上手に弾くコツを教えている。

He is teaching his junior the knack of playing the guitar well.

Quick facts

usageNote:Often used in conjunction with helping verbs like 〜てくれる / 〜てあげる (to do a favor) or 〜てもらう (to receive the favor of being taught).

orthography:The noun コツ is most commonly written in katakana, though hiragana (こつ) is also used; kanji (骨) is rare in this context.

verbConjugation:教える is an Ichidan (Group 2) verb, conjugating as 教えます (polite), 教えて (te-form), and 教えない (negative).

Often used with

コツをつかむ (to get the hang of something)

料理のコツを教える (to share cooking tips)

上達のコツ (the secret to improving)

コツを伝授する (to impart the secrets/knack)

Mnemonic

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Example

先輩が仕事を効率よく終わらせるコツを教えてくれた。

My senior colleague shared tips with me on how to finish work efficiently.

初心者でも失敗しない料理のコツを教えてもらえますか？

Could you teach me some cooking tips so that even a beginner won't mess up?