Translation guide
The English verb "entice" means to attract or persuade someone to do something by offering something desirable. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various verbs and phrases that emphasize luring, tempting, or seducing, often with nuances of positive attraction or negative manipulation.
To draw someone in by offering a benefit, reward, or appealing quality, often in a neutral or positive sense.
A versatile verb meaning to invite, tempt, or lure. It can be used for both positive invitations (e.g., to an event) and enticing someone into doing something.
He enticed her to go to a movie.
The sweet smell entices customers.
Literally 'to pull toward', this verb means to attract or draw in, often used for magnetic appeal or charm.
The store's display entices passersby.
Means to fascinate or captivate, implying a strong, often irresistible attraction. More intense than 誘う.
Her singing voice enticed the audience.
To persuade someone to do something they might not otherwise do, often by appealing to desires or weaknesses, with a negative connotation.
To incite or instigate someone to do something bad or unwise. Often used for enticing someone into wrongdoing.
He was enticed by his friend into shoplifting.
To tempt or seduce, often with a strong connotation of leading someone astray, especially in moral or sexual contexts.
Colloquial term meaning to seduce or sweet-talk someone into doing something, often with manipulative intent.
To attract someone by providing a concrete benefit, such as a discount, reward, or special deal.
Literally 'to fish with ~', this phrase means to lure or entice someone using something as bait. Commonly used with incentives like money, gifts, or benefits.
Entice employees with a high salary.
Entice customers with free gifts.
Similar to 釣る, meaning to use something as bait to lure someone. Often implies a trap or manipulation.
To persuade someone to come along or participate, often by making it seem appealing.
Compound verb meaning to lure or entice someone into a place or situation. Stronger than 誘う, implying successful persuasion.
He enticed her into his room.
To draw someone in, often used for involving someone in an activity or group, sometimes with a nuance of enticement.
誘う (sasou) is a general term for inviting or tempting, and can be used in both positive and negative contexts. 誘惑する (yūwaku suru) specifically implies seduction or strong temptation, often with a moral or sexual connotation. Use 誘惑する when the enticement is clearly negative or manipulative.
There is no single Japanese verb that perfectly matches all uses of 'entice'. Avoid directly translating 'entice' as one word in all contexts. Instead, choose the expression that fits the nuance: 誘う for general attraction, そそのかす for inciting bad behavior, 釣る for luring with incentives, etc.
He enticed her with promises of wealth.
Uses 誘惑する for tempting with a negative nuance.
The devil enticed him to commit a sin.
He enticed her with sweet words.
彼は口がうまくて、すぐに人をたらし込む。
He's smooth-talking and quickly entices people.
Entice people into an investment scheme with sweet words as bait.
He enticed the audience into his world with skillful storytelling.