Translation guide
The pull toward something you want but shouldn't do, or the thing itself that tempts you.
Expressing the internal pull or desire to do something, especially when it's not a good idea.
The most direct and common translation for 'temptation' as a noun. Covers both the feeling and the tempting thing.
甘いものの誘惑に負けてしまった。
I gave in to the temptation of sweets.
誘惑に勝つのは難しい。
It's hard to resist temptation.
Literally 'the impulse to want to do ~'. Useful when emphasizing a sudden urge.
嘘をつきたい衝動を抑えた。
I suppressed the temptation to lie.
An idiomatic expression meaning 'to be tempted by an evil impulse', often used for momentary lapses in judgment.
魔が差して万引きしてしまった。
I was overcome by temptation and shoplifted.
Referring to the object, person, or situation that causes temptation.
Same word as above; context determines whether it's the feeling or the source.
都会には誘惑が多い。
There are many temptations in the city.
A more literal 'tempting object', but less common. Can sound stiff.
彼にとって甘いものは最大の誘惑物だ。
For him, sweets are the greatest temptation.
Used in religious, moral, or philosophical contexts where temptation is a test of character.
Means 'trial' or 'test', often used when temptation is framed as a challenge to overcome.
この誘惑は神からの試練だ。
This temptation is a test from God.
Literally 'to fall into temptation', used in religious or formal warnings.
誘惑に陥らないように祈りなさい。
Pray so that you will not fall into temptation.
Focusing on the action of luring or enticing someone.
Can also refer to the act of tempting, often used with する.
彼は彼女を誘惑しようとした。
He tried to tempt her.
Means 'invitation' or 'lure', often used for tempting offers or invitations to do something.
The English loanword テンプテーション is rarely used and sounds unnatural. Stick with 誘惑.
誘惑 (ゆうわく) is the general concept of temptation, while 衝動 (しょうどう) is a sudden impulse. Use 衝動 when emphasizing a momentary urge.
買いたい衝動を抑える
suppress the urge to buy
スマホをチェックしたい誘惑に勝てなかった。
I couldn't resist the temptation to check my phone.
ケーキを全部食べたい誘惑が強かった。
The temptation to eat the whole cake was strong.
Don't give in to bad temptations.