Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing 'be influenced' depends on whether the influence is passive, emotional, social, or physical. The most common pattern uses the passive form of verbs like 影響する (to influence), but other expressions capture nuance like being swayed, affected, or moved.
To be influenced by something in a general sense, often using the passive form of 影響する.
The passive form of 影響する (to influence). This is the most direct and common way to say 'be influenced'. It can be used for people, things, or abstract concepts.
彼は友達に影響された。
He was influenced by his friends.
The policy was influenced by public opinion.
Literally 'receive influence'. Slightly more formal than 影響される, often used in written or analytical contexts.
彼の作品は西洋美術の影響を受けている。
His work has been influenced by Western art.
To be emotionally influenced, swayed, or moved by something.
Passive of 感化する (to inspire/influence positively). Implies being inspired or morally influenced, often by a person or their example.
彼女の熱意に感化されて、私もボランティアを始めた。
Influenced by her enthusiasm, I also started volunteering.
Passive of 動かす (to move). Means to be emotionally moved or touched, often by a story, speech, or act of kindness.
彼のスピーチに心を動かされた。
I was deeply moved by his speech.
Passive of 左右する (to sway/control). Means to be swayed or influenced, often by emotions, opinions, or circumstances. Can have a negative nuance of being easily manipulated.
彼の判断は感情に左右されやすい。
His judgment is easily influenced by emotions.
To be affected or impacted by external conditions like weather, economy, or environment.
Also used for being affected by external factors, often with a nuance of being at the mercy of something.
農業は天候に左右される。
Agriculture is influenced by the weather.
General passive influence, also works for external factors.
景気は国際情勢に影響される。
The economy is influenced by international affairs.
To be influenced by someone's teachings, philosophy, or example.
Commonly used when talking about being influenced by a mentor, teacher, or historical figure.
私は大学の教授から大きな影響を受けた。
I was greatly influenced by my university professor.
Emphasizes positive inspiration and moral influence.
彼の生き方に感化されて、私も医者を目指した。
Influenced by his way of life, I also aimed to become a doctor.
To be influenced by fashion, social media, advertising, etc.
The standard passive for being influenced by trends or media.
若者はSNSに影響されやすい。
Young people are easily influenced by social media.
Passive of 流す (to flow). Means to be carried along by a trend or atmosphere, often without resistance. Can imply a lack of agency.
彼は周りの意見に流されやすい。
He is easily influenced by the opinions of those around him.
影響される is neutral and simply means 'be influenced'. 左右される implies being swayed or controlled, often with a nuance of vulnerability or lack of control. Use 左右される when the influence is strong and potentially negative.
彼の決断は金銭に左右された。
His decision was swayed by money.
English often uses 'be influenced' in passive constructions. In Japanese, while passive forms exist, sometimes a more active phrasing or a different verb is more natural. For example, 'I was influenced by the book' can be その本に影響された, but その本から影響を受けた is also common.