Translation guide
The act of convincing someone to do or believe something. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various verbs, nouns, and phrases depending on the context—whether it's gentle persuasion, logical argument, or forceful convincing.
To persuade someone to do something or to adopt a belief, in a general sense.
The most common noun for 'persuasion'. Often used with する to mean 'to persuade'. Implies using reasoning or explanation to convince someone.
It was difficult to persuade him.
to yield to persuasion
To persuade someone by talking them down; to argue someone into agreement. Stronger than 説得する, implies overcoming resistance.
I talked her into going on the trip.
To persuade persistently, often used for romantic persuasion (wooing) or coaxing someone into doing something. Can have a negative nuance of pestering.
He persuaded her to go on a date.
To persuade someone gently, often by appealing to emotions or using soft words.
To persuade by explaining patiently; to reason with someone. Implies a gentle, careful approach.
I persuaded the child by reasoning with them.
To persuade by explaining thoroughly; to talk someone into understanding. Often used when the other person is hesitant or doesn't fully grasp the situation.
To persuade using logical reasoning or debate.
To defeat in an argument; to persuade by logically refuting the other person's points. Often used in debates or discussions.
I refuted his opinion and persuaded him.
Formal persuasion through admonition or instruction, often used in official or disciplinary contexts.
Expressing the act of persuading someone to take a specific action.
Pattern: [person] に [action] ように説得する. Used to say 'persuade someone to do something'.
I persuaded him to come.
Pattern: [person] を説得して [action] させる. Emphasizes the result of making someone do something through persuasion.
I persuaded him to help.
Referring to the skill or power to persuade.
説得 is neutral and common for general persuasion. 説き伏せる implies a stronger, more argumentative approach where you overcome resistance. 口説く often has a romantic or coaxing nuance and can be seen as persistent or even annoying.
I persuaded him and got his agreement.
I argued down the opposition.
I coaxed her into going to a movie.
I persuaded him by explaining the situation and got his cooperation.
The boss admonished and persuaded the employee.