教えを説く

• Reading: おしえをとく
• Romaji: oshie wo toku
• Kanji breakdown: 教 (kyou/oshi) — teach, instruct; 説 (setsu/to) — explain, preach, persuade
• Pronunciation: /o.ɕi.e.o.to.kɯ/

Meaning

To preach the faith; to teach and spread religious or moral teachings.

A verbal phrase combining 教え (oshie, teachings) + を (object particle) + 説く (toku, to explain/preach). Used primarily in religious and philosophical contexts to describe the act of spreading doctrines or moral principles. 説く alone means to explain persuasively or preach. This phrase often appears in descriptions of religious figures, missionaries, or moral leaders. Related expressions include 道を説く (michi wo toku, to preach the way) and 仏法を説く (buppou wo toku, to preach Buddhist law).

Examples

1. その僧侶は村々を回って仏の教えを説いた。 The monk traveled from village to village, preaching the teachings of Buddha.
2. 教えを説くだけでなく、自ら実践することが大切だ。 It's important not just to preach teachings, but to practice them yourself.
3. 彼女は若い世代に平和の教えを説き続けている。 She continues to preach the teachings of peace to younger generations.

Usage Guide

Context: religion, philosophy, literature

Tone: reverent

Origin & History

Native Japanese compound: 教え (oshie, from 教える, to teach) + を (object particle) + 説く (toku, to preach/explain). Combines the concept of teachings with the act of disseminating them.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal