How to say "tempt" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 仕向けるしむけるichidan verb, transitive verbCovers 'tempt' as inducing someone to do something: you maneuver or steer the person toward an action rather than simply dangle an attraction. Fits when someone is deliberately brought round to acting.
- godan verb, transitive verbTempt as in egging someone on: urging a person into an action, often a rash or inadvisable one; usually written in kana alone. The word for one person goading another into doing something.
- 誘うさそうgodan verb, transitive verbThe broadest and most everyday of these: to tempt, entice, or lure someone toward something appealing — a nice smell, an offer, a plan. When unsure which word an everyday 'tempt' needs, start here.
- 惑わすまどわすgodan verb, transitive verbTempt in the sense of beguiling or leading astray: the target is misled or bewildered as well as tempted. Suits moral or deceptive temptation — a swindler, the devil — rather than everyday coaxing.
- 釣るつるgodan verb, transitive verbTempt as luring with bait: the image is angling, the person a fish drawn in by a dangling reward such as money or sweets. Suggests a calculated, deliberate lure.
Use 「誘う」 as the general 'tempt/entice,' 「そそのかす」 for egging someone into an action, 「仕向ける」 for maneuvering them into doing something, 「惑わす」 for beguiling or leading astray, and 「釣る」 for luring with bait.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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