Translation guide
The English phrase "urge on" means to encourage someone to continue or to do something, often with enthusiasm or insistence. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various verbs and phrases depending on the nuance—whether it's cheering, pushing forward, egging on, or pressuring.
To support or motivate someone to continue an effort, often in sports or challenging situations.
The most common and neutral way to say 'cheer on' or 'support'. Used for sports, exams, or any endeavor.
みんなで彼を応援した。
We all urged him on.
I'll urge you on until the end.
Literally 'send vocal support'. Used when cheering loudly, often in a crowd.
観客は選手に声援を送った。
The spectators urged the players on.
To call out 'Do your best!' or 'Go for it!' to urge someone on.
彼は疲れている友達に頑張れと声をかけた。
He urged on his tired friend by shouting encouragement.
To strongly encourage or even pressure someone to take action, sometimes with a sense of urgency.
To urge or prompt someone to do something. Can be used in formal or written contexts.
上司は彼に決断を促した。
The boss urged him on to make a decision.
私は彼に話を続けるように促した。
I urged him on to continue his story.
To spur on or drive someone, often by an internal force like passion or necessity.
To hurry someone along, to rush them. Often used when someone is slow or hesitant.
To encourage someone to do something foolish, dangerous, or wrong, often for amusement.
To instigate or egg on, often with a negative connotation. Can be used for setting a dog on someone or inciting a person.
友達が彼をけしかけて喧嘩させた。
His friends urged him on to start a fight.
To fan the flames, agitate, or incite. Commonly used for provoking someone to act recklessly.
To tempt or entice someone into doing something bad. Slightly literary or formal.
To command or encourage an animal to move faster or attack.
To spur a horse or drive an animal forward. Also used metaphorically.
騎手は馬を駆ってゴールを目指した。
The jockey urged the horse on toward the goal.
To set a dog on someone or something, urging it to attack.
彼は泥棒に犬をけしかけた。
He urged the dog on the burglar.
促す (unagasu) is a general, polite way to urge someone to do something. 急かす (sekasu) implies impatience and rushing someone. 駆り立てる (karitateru) suggests a strong internal drive or compulsion.
There is no single Japanese verb that covers all uses of 'urge on'. Using a direct translation like 'urge suru' is unnatural. Choose the verb that matches the specific nuance.
好奇心が彼を冒険に駆り立てた。
Curiosity urged him on to adventure.
She urged the children on and left the house.
The crowd urged the player on, making him attempt an impossible play.
悪い仲間にそそのかされて、盗みを働いた。
He was urged on by bad friends and committed theft.