How to say "provoke" in Japanese

Choosing the right word

引き起こすひきおこすJLPT N1approx.Common
godan verb, transitive verbCovers 'provoke' in the sense of causing something to happen: provoke a reaction, an incident, or trouble. The object is the event or outcome brought about; typical contexts include accidents, problems, and strong reactions.
彼かれの不注意ふちゅういな運転うんてんが事故じこを引き起ひきおこした。↗
His careless driving caused the accident.
怒らせるおこらせるCommon
ichidan verb, transitive verbCovers 'provoke (to anger)': to make someone angry, offend, or rile them up. The person who becomes angry is the object; typical contexts are rude remarks or behavior that angers another person.
彼かれの無作法ぶさほうは仲間なかまを怒おこらせた。↗
His gross manners offended his companions.

Use 「引き起こす」 when 'provoke' means to cause or bring something about — a reaction, an incident, or trouble — and 「怒らせる」 when it means to make a person angry, that is, to provoke someone to anger.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Japanese equivalents

引き起こすひきおこすto cause
怒らせるおこらせるto make (someone) angry
癇に障るかんにさわるto irritate
怒らすおこらすto make (someone) angry
癪に障るしゃくにさわるto annoy
誘うさそうto induce (tears, laughter, sleepiness, etc.)
吹きかけるふきかけるto pick (a fight)
ふっかけるto pick (a fight)
売るうるto pick (a fight, quarrel, etc.)

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