Translation guide
How to express the idea of gently persuading someone to do something or to feel a certain way, often through patience, flattery, or soft words.
You want someone to do something they are reluctant to do, and you use kind words, patience, or small incentives.
Literally 'gently persuade'. This is a natural, direct way to express coaxing someone into doing something.
彼女を優しく説得して、パーティーに来てもらった。
I coaxed her into coming to the party.
Means to soothe or placate someone, often to get them to calm down or agree. Implies a gentle, coaxing manner.
泣いている子供をなだめて、車に乗せた。
I coaxed the crying child into the car.
Uses flattery to get someone to do something. 'おだてる' means to flatter or butter up. This pattern is common for coaxing through praise.
彼をおだてて、仕事を手伝わせた。
I coaxed him into helping with the work by flattering him.
To talk someone into something, sometimes with a nuance of coaxing or wheedling. Can imply a bit of manipulation.
彼は母親を言いくるめて、お金を借りた。
He coaxed his mother into lending him money.
You are trying to get a stubborn machine, engine, or device to start or function properly by gentle or careful manipulation.
Literally 'make it move well'. A general way to say you coaxed a machine into working.
古いエンジンをうまく動かすのに時間がかかった。
It took a while to coax the old engine to start.
Means to use something while coaxing it along, knowing it's not in perfect condition. Implies nursing a device along.
このパソコンはもう古いから、だましだまし使っている。
This computer is old, so I'm coaxing it along.
You gently draw out a reaction or information from someone who is initially reluctant or reserved.
Means 'to draw out'. Commonly used for coaxing out information, emotions, or reactions.
彼女は子供から笑顔を引き出した。
She coaxed a smile from the child.
Specifically for coaxing out information or secrets through questioning.
You try to cheer someone up or improve their mood through gentle words or actions.
Means to humor or placate someone, to get them into a good mood. Often used when someone is sulking.
彼女は怒っていたので、機嫌を取るのに苦労した。
She was angry, so I had a hard time coaxing her into a better mood.
Combines soothing and coaxing. Used when someone is upset and you try to calm them and persuade them.
The police tried to coax a confession out of the suspect.
母親は泣いている赤ちゃんをなだめすかした。
The mother coaxed the crying baby.