Translation guide
The English word 'urge' can be a noun (a strong desire or impulse) or a verb (to strongly encourage or persuade someone to do something). This guide covers both uses, organized by meaning.
I have an urge to eat chocolate.
He urged me to go.
Expressing a sudden strong wish to do something, often one that is hard to control.
The most direct translation for a sudden, often uncontrollable impulse. Commonly used in psychological or everyday contexts.
I couldn't resist the urge to buy it.
He was suddenly seized by an urge to scream.
Pattern: verb stem + たい + 衝動. Natural way to say 'the urge to do X'.
A strong desire or craving, often for something specific. Can be more sustained than 衝動.
A want or drive, often used in psychological or formal contexts. Similar to 'desire' or 'need'.
Specifically 'impulse buying'. A common compound for the urge to purchase.
Trying to persuade or push someone to take a particular action, often with insistence.
To urge, prompt, or encourage someone to do something. Polite and commonly used in formal or business settings.
My boss urged me to make a decision quickly.
To recommend or advise strongly. Often used when suggesting a course of action for someone's benefit.
Literally 'strongly recommend'. Emphasizes the intensity of the urging.
To press or urge forcefully, sometimes with a sense of urgency or pressure. Can be used when demanding an answer or action.
To urge someone to do something they are supposed to do, like paying a bill or submitting a document. Implies a reminder or demand.
The landlord urged payment of the rent.
Publicly or formally urging a particular policy, action, or belief.
衝動 (shoudou) is a sudden impulse, often irrational. 欲望 (yokubou) is a deeper, more sustained desire (like greed or lust). 欲求 (yokkyuu) is a psychological want or drive (like need for approval). For 'urge' as a sudden impulse, 衝動 is usually best.
I kissed him on an urge.
He has a strong urge for money.
English 'urge someone to do' does not have a single perfect Japanese verb. Use 促す (unagasu) for polite encouragement, 勧める (susumeru) for recommendation, or 迫る (semaru) for pressing. Avoid direct translations like 'urgeする'.
I had an urge to eat something sweet.
彼は成功への欲望が強い。
He has a strong urge to succeed.
人間には承認欲求がある。
Humans have an urge for recognition.
I made an impulse purchase.
She urged him to be careful.
医者は私に禁煙を勧めた。
The doctor urged me to quit smoking.
He strongly urged me to read that book.
彼は私に返事を迫った。
He urged me for an answer.
She urged the audience to donate.