Translation guide
To cast a spell on someone or to captivate them completely. In Japanese, the magical and figurative senses are often expressed with different words.
To use magic to control or harm someone
The most common and neutral way to say 'cast a spell on someone'. It can be used for both positive and negative magic.
Specifically means to put a curse on someone, often with malicious intent. More negative than 魔法をかける.
He bewitched his enemy with a curse.
Literally 'to charm' or 'to fascinate'. Can be used in fantasy contexts for magical charming, but more often used figuratively.
To attract or delight someone so strongly that they seem under a spell
The standard word for 'captivate' or 'enchant'. Works for people, performances, beauty, etc.
There is no single Japanese verb that covers both magical and figurative senses naturally. Use 魔法をかける for magic and 魅了する for captivation. Using 魅了する for literal spellcasting can sound odd unless in a fantasy context.
The witch bewitched the prince.
The sorcerer bewitched the villagers.
Her singing voice bewitched the audience.
Means to make someone spellbound or enraptured, often with a dreamy nuance. Used for beauty, music, or romantic attraction.
The scenery bewitched me.
Literally 'steal one's heart'. A common idiomatic phrase for being completely captivated by someone or something.
He was bewitched by her beauty.
Literally 'to put under a spell'. Used figuratively to mean 'bewitch' in a romantic or captivating sense, but can sound slightly dramatic.
She seems to have bewitched him.