Translation guide
Expresses a natural, often involuntary attraction or pull toward someone or something. Japanese uses verbs for being attracted, pulled, or having one's interest captured, as well as patterns for feeling a connection.
To express romantic or personal attraction, a natural pull toward someone.
The most common and natural way to say you are drawn to or attracted to someone. Often implies a magnetic, sometimes involuntary pull. Used for romantic interest or strong personal appeal.
彼に惹かれる。
I'm drawn to him.
彼女の人柄に惹かれた。
I was drawn to her personality.
Literally 'to be on one's mind.' Used when someone catches your interest, often in a budding romantic way. Softer than 惹かれる.
最近、あの子が気になる。
Lately, I've been drawn to that girl/guy.
To feel charm or appeal. More analytical than 惹かれる; you consciously recognize someone's attractive qualities.
彼の誠実さに魅力を感じる。
I'm drawn to his sincerity.
To express a pull toward non-human things: hobbies, places, ideas, etc.
Works for things as well as people. Implies a deep, often emotional pull.
自然の美しさに惹かれる。
I'm drawn to the beauty of nature.
彼の作品に強く惹かれた。
I was strongly drawn to his work.
Literally 'to have one's interest pulled.' Focuses on intellectual curiosity or fascination.
その話に興味を引かれた。
I was drawn to that story.
To express a sense of destiny, fate, or an unexplainable attraction.
To feel a connection or bond, often implying fate or destiny. Used for people, places, or opportunities.
この土地に縁を感じる。
I feel drawn to this land.
彼とは初めて会ったとき、縁を感じた。
When I first met him, I felt drawn to him (like it was fate).
Literally 'to be pulled closer.' Emphasizes the force of attraction, almost like a physical pull.
なぜかこの場所に引き寄せられる。
For some reason, I'm drawn to this place.
To express being pulled into an activity, conversation, or community, sometimes against one's will.
To be drawn into or caught up in something, often trouble or an unwanted situation. Passive form of 巻き込む (to involve).
争いに巻き込まれた。
I was drawn into the conflict.
To be drawn in or absorbed, often by a story, performance, or compelling situation. Can be positive or neutral.
彼の話に引き込まれた。
I was drawn into his story.
Do not use 引かれる (ひかれる) for 'be drawn to' in the sense of attraction. 引かれる means 'to be pulled' physically (e.g., a cart being pulled) or can mean 'to be put off' (slang). Use 惹かれる for attraction.
惹かれる is more emotional and involuntary; 魅力を感じる is more conscious and analytical. Use 惹かれる for a gut feeling of attraction, and 魅力を感じる when you can point to specific attractive qualities.
To have one's heart stolen; captivated. Stronger, more dramatic. Often used for art, scenery, or experiences.
その絵に心を奪われた。
I was completely drawn to that painting.