Translation guide
Expressing the feeling of being drawn to do something, often despite knowing it may not be wise. Japanese uses various constructions around the idea of 'almost doing' or 'feeling like doing'.
The speaker feels a strong desire to do something, usually something they know they shouldn't.
Attach to the verb stem (masu-form without ます) to express 'almost did something' or 'was on the verge of doing'. Often used when one resists the temptation.
I was tempted to eat all the cake.
I was tempted to tell the secret.
From 〜たい (want to do) + なる (become). Expresses 'I start to want to do' or 'I feel tempted to do'. Often used with つい (unintentionally).
I was tempted to watch that movie.
I'm often tempted to eat sweets.
Literally 'become a feeling of doing'. Used to express 'feel like doing' or 'be tempted to do'. Often with 〜する気になる.
I finally felt tempted to study.
I'm not tempted to go outside.
Literally 'lose to temptation'. Used when someone actually gives in to temptation.
I gave in to temptation and played games again.
Literally 'driven by temptation'. A more literary expression for feeling a strong temptation.
Driven by temptation, he committed theft.
Someone or something makes an offer that is hard to refuse.
Means 'to be lured by' or 'to be tempted by (an offer, a smell, etc.)'. Often used when you are drawn in by something attractive.
I was tempted by the low price and bought it.
I was tempted by the good smell and entered the shop.
Literally 'one's heart moves'. Expresses being emotionally swayed or tempted by something.
Slang meaning 'to waver' or 'to be tempted'. Often used when one's resolve is shaken.
The urge to speak, often something inappropriate or secret.
Same pattern as above, but specifically with verbs like 言う (say), 話す (speak), 口を滑らせる (let slip).
I was tempted to tell the truth.
I'm often tempted to say bad things.
Literally 'the mouth slips'. Means to accidentally say something you were tempted to keep secret.
〜そうになる emphasizes the near occurrence of an action (almost did), often with a sense of resisting. 〜たくなる focuses on the arising desire (start to want to do). Use 〜そうになる when you almost did it but stopped yourself; use 〜たくなる when you feel the urge but haven't necessarily acted on it yet.
I was tempted to cry, but held back.
I felt tempted to cry.
There is no single Japanese verb that directly translates 'be tempted'. Avoid literal translations like 誘惑される (which means 'to be seduced' in a more active sense). Instead, use the patterns above to express the feeling naturally.
I was tempted by his proposal.
あの条件にはちょっとグラついた。
I was a bit tempted by those conditions.
I was tempted and let the secret slip out.