Translation guide
The English verb 'persuade' covers a range of actions from gently convincing someone to do something, to winning them over to a belief, to strongly urging or even pressuring them. Japanese expresses these nuances with different verbs and constructions, often depending on the relationship and the degree of resistance involved.
The speaker wants the listener to perform a specific action, often after some hesitation or reluctance.
The most common and neutral word for 'persuade'. It implies using logical arguments, emotional appeals, or persistence to get someone to agree to do something. Often used when the person was initially reluctant.
I persuaded him to join the project.
I plan to persuade my mother to let me study abroad.
Literally 'tell someone to do something'. In context, this can mean 'persuade' when the telling involves urging or convincing. It is less formal than 説得する and more direct.
I persuaded my friend to go to the hospital quickly.
Often means 'to woo' or 'to seduce', but can also mean 'to persuade persistently', sometimes with a nuance of flattery or sweet-talking. Can sound pushy or romantic depending on context.
He sweet-talked his boss into giving him a raise.
The speaker wants to change the listener's mind about an idea, fact, or viewpoint.
Means 'to make someone understand and accept' or 'to satisfy someone's doubts'. It focuses on getting the person to agree logically or emotionally, not just to comply.
His explanation did not persuade me.
I persuaded the client by showing them the data.
Also works for persuading someone of a belief, though it often implies a more active, sometimes lengthy, process of convincing.
The speaker applies strong pressure, insistence, or even coercion to get someone to act.
Means 'to argue someone down' or 'to persuade someone against their will through forceful argument'. It implies overcoming strong resistance.
They persuaded the opposition (by arguing them down) and passed the bill.
Literally 'to strongly recommend'. It can function as 'to urge' or 'to pressure' in a persuasive context, though it is less forceful than 説き伏せる.
Means 'to push through (one's opinion) despite opposition'. It implies overriding objections and forcing one's will. Often used in business or political contexts.
The speaker uses charm, flattery, or subtle manipulation rather than direct argument.
Means 'to talk someone into something' or 'to win someone over by smooth talking'. It often implies a bit of cunning or manipulation.
He sweet-talked her into lending him money.
An idiom meaning 'to take someone in with smooth talk' or 'to fast-talk someone'. It emphasizes being deceived by persuasive words.
説得する focuses on the process of persuading, often involving effort and resistance. 納得させる focuses on the result: the person becomes convinced and accepts the idea. Use 説得する when you are actively trying to change someone's mind; use 納得させる when you want to emphasize that they understood and agreed.
It took an hour to try to persuade him, but in the end I couldn't convince him.
English often uses 'persuade someone to do something'. In Japanese, you cannot directly connect 説得する with a verb phrase using こと. Instead, use patterns like 説得して～してもらう or ～するように説得する.
I persuaded him to come.
I persuaded her to stay.
He finally persuaded me that he was right.
They persuaded the committee to approve the plan.
He tried to persuade me that the plan was wrong.
Literally 'to make someone listen and understand'. Often used when persuading someone by reasoning with them patiently, especially a child or someone who is upset.
I persuaded the child to eat vegetables (by reasoning with them).
The doctor strongly urged him to quit smoking.
The president pushed through the new venture despite opposition.
I was persuaded by his smooth talk and ended up signing a weird contract.
I persuaded him to come.