Translation guide
The act of provoking someone, often to anger or a reaction. In Japanese, this can be expressed through nouns, verbs, and set phrases, with nuances ranging from deliberate instigation to casual teasing.
Expressing an intentional act meant to provoke a strong reaction, often anger or retaliation.
The most direct equivalent for 'provocation', often used in contexts like politics, sports, or personal conflicts. Can be used as a noun or with する to mean 'to provoke'.
Don't rise to his provocation.
That remark was a clear provocation.
The verb form meaning 'to provoke'. Often used when someone deliberately tries to get a reaction.
He deliberately provoked me.
Means 'to incite' or 'to stir up'. Often used for provoking emotions or actions, like fanning flames. Can be used in casual or serious contexts.
His words provoked the audience.
That player is good at provoking opponents.
Means 'to challenge' or 'to pick a fight'. Implies a direct confrontation or provocation, often with a sense of defiance.
He challenged authority. (provocative act)
Referring to something that triggers a reaction, often without deliberate intent, like a stimulus or incitement.
Means 'stimulus' or 'stimulation'. Can be used for provocation in a neutral sense, like something that provokes thought or a response.
That book provided me with intellectual provocation.
Means 'inducement' or 'triggering'. Often used in medical or technical contexts for provoking a reaction or symptom.
Light-hearted provocation among friends, like teasing or egging someone on.
Means 'to tease' or 'to make fun of'. Used for playful provocation that isn't meant to seriously anger.
He's always teasing me (provoking me playfully).
Literally 'to stick one's nose in', meaning to meddle or provoke someone playfully or annoyingly.
In English, 'provocation' can be used broadly, but in Japanese, 挑発 (ちょうはつ) often implies a deliberate, serious act. For light teasing, use からかう or ちょっかいを出す instead.
挑発 is more about direct, often verbal provocation, while 煽る can be used for inciting emotions or actions indirectly, like fanning flames. 煽る is also used in phrases like あおり運転 (road rage).
ストレスが病気を誘発することがある。
Stress can provoke illness.
The cat is provoking the dog (by poking at it).