Translation guide
To cause a feeling, reaction, or state to emerge, often suddenly or strongly. This guide covers natural Japanese ways to express 'arouse' depending on what is being aroused: emotions, interest, suspicion, sexual desire, or physical awakening.
To cause someone to feel a particular emotion or mental state.
General verb meaning 'to cause' or 'to bring about'. Used for a wide range of emotions and reactions.
その事件は国民の怒りを引き起こした。
The incident aroused public anger.
彼の言葉は私の好奇心を引き起こした。
His words aroused my curiosity.
Literally 'to call forth', often used for memories, feelings, or a sense of something. Slightly more literary than 引き起こす.
その写真は古い記憶を呼び起こした。
The photo aroused old memories.
To stir up or excite a strong emotion, such as curiosity or anxiety. Often used in literary contexts.
その謎めいた話は好奇心を掻き立てた。
The mysterious story aroused curiosity.
To make someone become interested, attentive, or suspicious.
Common verb meaning 'to attract' or 'to draw'. Used with 注意 (attention) or 興味 (interest).
その広告は多くの人の注意を引いた。
The advertisement aroused many people's attention.
To stimulate or excite, often used for appetite, interest, or curiosity. Casual.
そのタイトルは興味をそそる。
The title arouses interest.
Causative of 抱く (to hold/harbor), meaning 'to make someone harbor' suspicion or doubt. Formal.
彼の行動は疑念を抱かせた。
His behavior aroused suspicion.
To wake someone up.
Standard transitive verb for waking someone up.
朝6時に起こしてください。
Please arouse me at 6 a.m.
Causative of 目覚める (to wake up), meaning 'to cause to awaken'. Can be physical or metaphorical.
その音が彼を眠りから目覚めさせた。
The sound aroused him from sleep.
To cause sexual excitement.
General term for 'to excite' or 'to arouse' sexually. Can be used in various contexts.
その映画のシーンは彼を興奮させた。
The movie scene aroused him.
Slangy, onomatopoeic expression for causing sexual arousal. Very casual.
彼女の仕草が彼をムラムラさせた。
Her gestures aroused him.
Literally 'to cause lust'. More direct and explicit.
その写真は彼を欲情させた。
The photo aroused him.
The causative form 起こさせる is rarely used for emotions. Use 引き起こす or other specific verbs instead.
好奇心を引き起こす
to arouse curiosity