誘惑する
誘惑する in 30 Sekunden
- A verb meaning 'to tempt' or 'to seduce,' combining 'invite' (誘) and 'delude' (惑).
- Used for everything from food cravings to moral dilemmas and romantic seduction.
- Differs from 'sasou' (invite) by implying a negative or irresistible pull.
- Often used in the passive form 'yūwaku sareru' (to be tempted).
The Japanese verb 誘惑する (yūwaku suru) is a multifaceted term that translates most commonly to 'to tempt,' 'to entice,' or 'to seduce.' At its core, it describes the act of leading someone toward a certain behavior or desire, often one that is considered forbidden, unwise, or morally questionable. The word is composed of two kanji: 誘 (yū), meaning to invite or induce, and 惑 (waku), meaning to delude, confuse, or mislead. Together, they create a powerful image of being led astray by a confusing yet irresistible pull. While in English 'seduce' often carries a heavy sexual connotation, in Japanese, 誘惑する is frequently used for more mundane temptations, such as the smell of fresh bread tempting a person on a diet or the allure of a high-paying job tempting a stable employee to switch companies.
- Daily Temptations
- This word is extremely common when talking about food, shopping, or procrastination. You might say the 'sweet smell' of a bakery is tempting you (甘い香りが私を誘惑する).
- Moral and Ethical Contexts
- In more serious contexts, it can refer to someone being enticed into a life of crime or a deceptive business scheme. It implies a loss of logical judgment in favor of immediate gratification.
- Romantic Context
- When used between people, it can mean seduction. It suggests an active attempt to attract someone emotionally or physically, often with an underlying tone of manipulation.
"ダイエット中なのに、ケーキの甘い香りが私を誘惑する。"
— Even though I'm on a diet, the sweet smell of the cake tempts me.
Understanding the psychological weight of 誘惑する is key to using it correctly. It is not a neutral invitation like '誘う' (sasou). If you invite a friend to a movie, you use 'sasou.' If you 'yūwaku' them, it implies you are trying to convince them to go even though they have a big exam tomorrow. There is an element of 'leading someone into a trap' or 'making them lose their way.' This is why the kanji for 'delusion' (惑) is present. It’s not just about the invitation; it’s about the resulting state of mind where the person is no longer thinking clearly because of their desire.
"彼は悪友に誘惑されて、ギャンブルに手を出した。"
— He was enticed by bad company and started gambling.
In a broader sense, 誘惑する captures the universal human struggle between duty and desire. Whether it's the temptation of a warm bed on a cold morning or the lure of power in a political thriller, this verb covers the spectrum of being pulled toward the 'easier' or 'more pleasurable' path. In literature and film, it's a central theme for character development, often serving as the catalyst for a protagonist's downfall or their moment of ultimate moral strength as they resist the temptation.
"都会のきらびやかな生活が、田舎の若者を誘惑する。"
— The glittering life of the city tempts the youth from the countryside.
Grammatically, 誘惑する (yūwaku suru) is a 'suru-verb,' which means it behaves like a transitive verb in its active form. The basic structure is [Subject] が [Object] を 誘惑する (Subject tempts Object). However, in many contexts, especially when talking about how one feels, the passive form 誘惑される (yūwaku sareru) is more common. This shifts the focus to the person experiencing the temptation rather than the thing doing the tempting.
- The Active Form (Transitive)
- Used when the tempter is the primary focus. 'The devil tempted the man' (悪魔が男を誘惑した). It emphasizes the agency of the tempter.
- The Passive Form (Intransitive nuance)
- Used when the person experiencing the temptation is the focus. 'I was tempted by the sweets' (お菓子に誘惑された). Note the use of the particle 'ni' for the source of temptation.
- The Potential Form
- Used to describe the ability to tempt. 'She can tempt anyone' (彼女は誰でも誘惑できる). This is often used in romantic or manipulative contexts.
"彼は高い給料で私を誘惑しようとした。"
— He tried to tempt me with a high salary. (Volitional form + to shita)
One important nuance is the use of the particle に (ni) versus を (o). When you are the one being tempted, you are the subject of the passive sentence: 'Watashi wa [Temptation] ni yūwaku sareru.' If you are describing the temptation itself as an active force, you use: '[Temptation] ga watashi o yūwaku suru.' Interestingly, in Japanese, inanimate objects like 'money' or 'food' can be the grammatical subject that 'performs' the action of tempting, which personifies the object and emphasizes its allure.
"その魅力的な提案に、誰もが誘惑されてしまうだろう。"
— Anyone would probably be tempted by that attractive proposal.
Furthermore, 誘惑する can be modified by adverbs to show the degree or nature of the temptation. 'Tsuyoku yūwaku suru' (strongly tempt) or 'Shukujuku to yūwaku suru' (quietly/steadily entice). In literary Japanese, you might see even more complex constructions involving the causative-passive to describe being forced into a state of temptation by circumstances. This level of versatility makes it a staple in both conversational Japanese and high-level literature.
"彼は彼女を誘惑して秘密を聞き出した。"
— He seduced/enticed her and got the secret out of her.
You will encounter 誘惑する (yūwaku suru) across a wide variety of Japanese media and real-life situations. Its usage spans from the trivialities of daily life to the dramatic heights of fiction. Understanding these contexts will help you grasp the 'flavor' of the word in different settings.
- Advertising & Marketing
- In Japanese commercials, especially for luxury items like chocolate, perfume, or high-end cars, 'yūwaku' is used to create a sense of irresistible desire. You might see a tagline like 'Anata o yūwaku suru itteki' (A single drop that tempts you) for a brand of coffee or liquor.
- Anime and Manga
- This is a very common word in drama or supernatural anime. Characters like 'succubi' or 'femme fatales' are often described as having the power to 'yūwaku suru' men. It's also used when a villain tries to 'yūwaku' the hero to join the dark side with promises of power.
- News and Crime Reports
- When reporting on fraud (sagi) or cults, news anchors might use the term to describe how victims were lured into the scheme. 'High returns tempted the investors' (Kō-rimawari ga tōshika o yūwaku shita).
"このデザートは、甘いもの好きを誘惑するために作られた。"
— This dessert was made to tempt those with a sweet tooth.
In casual conversation, you'll hear it among friends when discussing diets or habits. If a friend brings donuts to an office where everyone is trying to eat healthy, someone might jokingly say, 'Yūwaku shinaide kudasai!' (Please don't tempt me!). It’s a playful way to acknowledge that something is hard to resist. This social usage is much lighter than the 'seduction' meaning and is very common in urban Japanese life where 'temptations' like 24-hour convenience stores and bright neon signs are everywhere.
"都会には多くの誘惑があるが、自分を見失ってはいけない。"
— There are many temptations in the city, but you must not lose yourself.
Finally, in the workplace, you might hear it in the context of 'headhunting.' A recruiter might try to 'yūwaku' a talented developer with a better package. While 'headhunting' (heddo-hantingu) is the technical term, 'yūwaku' describes the psychological act of making the other person want to leave their current position. It highlights the competitive and sometimes 'predatory' nature of talent acquisition in high-stakes industries.
"ネットショッピングのセールが私を誘惑する。"
— Online shopping sales tempt me.
While 誘惑する (yūwaku suru) is a versatile verb, English speakers often trip up on its nuances compared to related Japanese words or the specific connotations of 'tempt' and 'seduce' in English. Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your Japanese sound much more natural.
- Confusing 'Yūwaku suru' with 'Sasou'
- This is the most common mistake. 'Sasou' (誘う) is a neutral 'invite.' If you want to invite a friend to lunch, use 'sasou.' If you use 'yūwaku suru,' it sounds like you are trying to lead them into a trap or something immoral. Bad: Tomodachi o ranchi ni yūwaku shita. Good: Tomodachi o ranchi ni sasotta.
- Assuming it's always sexual
- In English, 'seduce' is almost always sexual. In Japanese, 誘惑する is much broader. Don't be shocked if a Japanese person says they were 'yūwaku sareru' by a bowl of ramen; they just mean it looked really good and they couldn't resist!
- Incorrect Particle Usage
- When you are the one feeling tempted, remember to use the passive form 'yūwaku sareru' with the particle 'ni' for the source. Saying 'Watashi wa keki o yūwaku suru' means 'I am tempting the cake,' which makes no sense!
"✕ 友達を映画に誘惑した。"
— (Incorrect: Sounds like you're seducing them or leading them into trouble)
"○ 友達を映画に誘った。"
— (Correct: I invited my friend to a movie)
Another subtle mistake is using it for 'positive' encouragement. If you are trying to motivate someone to do something good, like studying or exercising, 誘惑する is the wrong word because it implies a negative or distracting influence. Instead, use 'unagasu' (促す - to urge/encourage) or 'susumeru' (勧める - to recommend). 'Yūwaku' always has a 'guilty pleasure' or 'wrong path' vibe to it.
"✕ 先生は学生を勉強に誘惑した。"
— (Incorrect: Sounds like the teacher is doing something suspicious)
"○ 先生は学生に勉強を促した。"
— (Correct: The teacher urged the students to study)
Lastly, be careful with the register. While common, it is a relatively strong word. Using it in a formal business meeting to describe a competitor's strategy might come off as too emotional or accusatory. In such cases, 'hikitsukeru' (引き付ける - to attract/draw in) is a more professional and neutral alternative. Reserve 誘惑する for when you specifically want to point out the 'allure' or 'temptation' aspect of a situation.
Japanese has several words that overlap with 誘惑する (yūwaku suru). Choosing the right one depends on whether you want to emphasize invitation, attraction, or negative manipulation. Here is a breakdown of the most common alternatives.
- 1. 誘う (Sasou)
- Meaning: To invite / To call out to.
Nuance: Neutral and common. It’s used for social invitations (lunch, movies). It lacks the 'leading astray' or 'irresistible' quality of yūwaku. - 2. 魅了する (Miryō suru)
- Meaning: To fascinate / To charm / To captivate.
Nuance: Positive. This is used when someone is 'tempted' by beauty, talent, or art. It doesn't imply that the attraction is bad or harmful. - 3. 唆す (Sosonokasu)
- Meaning: To instigate / To egg on / To entice (into doing something bad).
Nuance: Very negative. This specifically refers to talking someone into doing something wrong or foolish. Unlike yūwaku, which can be passive (the smell of food), sosonokasu always involves active verbal persuasion. - 4. 引き付ける (Hikitsukeru)
- Meaning: To attract / To draw in / To fascinate.
Nuance: Neutral to positive. Often used for physical attraction (magnets) or metaphorical attraction (a charismatic speaker). It describes the force of attraction without the moral weight of temptation.
"彼女の演技は観客を魅了した。"
— Her acting fascinated the audience. (Positive attraction)
When deciding between these, ask yourself: 'Is there a sense of guilt or loss of control?' If yes, use 誘惑する. 'Is it a simple social gesture?' Use 誘う. 'Is it purely about beauty or skill?' Use 魅了する. 'Is it someone whispering bad ideas in your ear?' Use 唆す. This distinction is vital for achieving 'natural' Japanese.
"悪い先輩が彼を万引きに唆した。"
— A bad senior egged him on to shoplift. (Active negative influence)
Another interesting word is たぶらかす (taburakasu), which is a bit more old-fashioned and means 'to hoodwink' or 'to seduce and deceive.' It’s often used in historical dramas or when someone is being tricked by a charming but dishonest person. Compared to 誘惑する, taburakasu emphasizes the 'deception' more than the 'temptation' itself. Choosing among these synonyms allows you to paint a much more precise picture of the social dynamics at play.
How Formal Is It?
Wusstest du?
The kanji '惑' contains the 'heart' (心) radical at the bottom, suggesting that temptation is fundamentally a matter of the heart being unsettled or misled.
Aussprachehilfe
- Pronouncing the 'u' too strongly (it should be light).
- Confusing the pitch accent with 'yūwaku' (noun) which is the same.
- Stress on the wrong syllable (Japanese is mora-timed).
- Merging 'yu' and 'u' into a single short sound.
- Over-emphasizing the 'r' in 'suru' (it should be a light tap).
Schwierigkeitsgrad
The kanji are N2 level, but the word is commonly used in B1 speech.
Writing '惑' correctly takes practice due to the many strokes.
Easy to pronounce, but requires care with the passive form.
Very distinct sound; easy to recognize in context.
Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest
Voraussetzungen
Als Nächstes lernen
Fortgeschritten
Wichtige Grammatik
Passive Form (~sareru)
お菓子に誘惑される。
Volitional + to suru (Try to...)
彼を誘惑しようとした。
Noun + ni makeru (Lose to...)
誘惑に負ける。
Te-form for Reason
誘惑されて、買ってしまった。
Potential Form (~eru)
彼は誰も誘惑できない。
Beispiele nach Niveau
ケーキが私を誘惑する。
The cake tempts me.
Direct object '私' (me) + verb '誘惑する'.
テレビの誘惑に負けた。
I lost to the temptation of TV.
Noun '誘惑' + particle 'ni' + verb '負ける' (to lose).
甘いお菓子は誘惑です。
Sweet candy is a temptation.
Noun '誘惑' used as a predicate with 'desu'.
彼は私を誘惑しましたか?
Did he tempt me?
Question form of '誘惑する'.
誘惑しないでください。
Please don't tempt me.
Negative request form '~naide kudasai'.
ゲームの誘惑は強いです。
The temptation of games is strong.
Adjective '強い' (strong) modifying the noun '誘惑'.
私は誘惑に弱いです。
I am weak against temptation.
Adjective '弱い' (weak) used with 'ni'.
アイスクリームが誘惑している。
The ice cream is tempting (me).
Continuous form '~te iru'.
ダイエット中なのに、ラーメンに誘惑された。
Even though I'm on a diet, I was tempted by ramen.
Passive form '誘惑された' (was tempted).
新しいスマホの広告が私を誘惑する。
The advertisement for the new smartphone tempts me.
Subject '広告' (advertisement) + 'o' + '誘惑する'.
彼は友達を悪い遊びに誘惑した。
He enticed his friend into bad activities.
Transitive use with 'ni' for the destination/activity.
都会にはたくさんの誘惑がある。
There are many temptations in the city.
Existence verb 'aru' with noun '誘惑'.
彼女は誘惑に負けないように頑張っている。
She is trying her best not to give in to temptation.
'~nai yō ni' (so as not to) + 'ganbatte iru'.
この香水は男性を誘惑するためのものです。
This perfume is for tempting men.
'~tame no mono' (thing for the purpose of).
買い物に行くと、いつも誘惑される。
When I go shopping, I'm always tempted.
Conditional '~to' + passive form.
誘惑を断ち切るのは難しい。
It is difficult to cut off (resist) temptation.
Noun '誘惑' + 'o' + '断ち切る' (to cut off/resist).
彼は高い報酬で私を誘惑しようとしたが、私は断った。
He tried to tempt me with a high reward, but I refused.
Volitional form '誘惑しよう' + 'to shita' (tried to).
ネットのセールが、私の財布を誘惑してくる。
Online sales keep tempting my wallet.
Auxiliary verb '~te kuru' showing an action directed toward the speaker.
そのスパイは、美貌を使って重要な情報を聞き出すために彼を誘惑した。
The spy seduced him to extract important information using her beauty.
Purpose clause '...tame ni'.
楽な道を選びたいという誘惑に打ち勝たなければならない。
You must overcome the temptation to choose the easy path.
Noun phrase '...to iu yūwaku' (the temptation that...).
彼女の魅力的な声が、聴衆を誘惑した。
Her attractive voice enticed the audience.
Subject '声' (voice) + 'o' + '誘惑した'.
都会の生活に誘惑されて、彼は故郷を捨てた。
Tempted by city life, he abandoned his hometown.
Passive 'te-form' indicating reason/cause.
甘い言葉で人を誘惑するのは、彼の得意分野だ。
Tempting people with sweet words is his specialty.
Nominalized clause '...no wa'.
私たちは常に、新しい商品の誘惑にさらされている。
We are constantly exposed to the temptation of new products.
'~ni sarasarete iru' (to be exposed to).
権力の誘惑に負けて、彼は不正に手を染めてしまった。
Losing to the temptation of power, he ended up getting involved in corruption.
'~ni te o somete shimau' (to end up getting involved in something bad).
この小説の主人公は、悪魔に誘惑されて魂を売る。
The protagonist of this novel is tempted by the devil and sells his soul.
Passive form '誘惑されて' in a narrative context.
企業は消費者の無意識を誘惑するような広告戦略を立てる。
Companies create advertising strategies that tempt consumers' subconscious minds.
'~yō na' (like/such as) modifying '広告戦略'.
目の前の利益に誘惑されず、長期的な視点を持つことが重要だ。
It is important not to be tempted by immediate profit and to have a long-term perspective.
Negative passive '誘惑されず' (without being tempted).
彼女の仕草一つ一つが、周囲の男性を誘惑しているように見えた。
Every one of her gestures seemed to be tempting the men around her.
'~yō ni mieta' (seemed to be...).
ギャンブルの誘惑を断ち切るために、彼は専門の施設に入った。
To cut off the temptation of gambling, he entered a specialized facility.
Purpose clause '...tame ni'.
都会の喧騒から離れたいという誘惑に駆られることがある。
I sometimes feel driven by the temptation to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
'~ni karareru' (to be driven by/overcome by).
その投資話はあまりに魅力的で、多くの人が誘惑に負けた。
That investment story was so attractive that many people gave in to temptation.
'~amari ni... de' (so... that...).
知的好奇心の誘惑に抗えず、彼は禁断の領域に足を踏み入れた。
Unable to resist the temptation of intellectual curiosity, he stepped into forbidden territory.
Negative potential '抗えず' (unable to resist).
政治家にとって、民衆の耳に心地よい言葉で誘惑することは、時に毒となる。
For politicians, tempting the masses with words that are pleasant to the ear can sometimes become poison.
Nominalized phrase '...koto wa'.
この作品は、死への誘惑という重厚なテーマを扱っている。
This work deals with the profound theme of the temptation toward death.
Noun phrase '...to iu' describing the theme.
SNSのアルゴリズムは、私たちの注意を絶え間なく誘惑し続ける。
Social media algorithms continuously keep tempting our attention.
Compound verb '~shi tsuzukeru' (continue to...).
彼は自らの美学を貫くため、世俗的な成功の誘惑をすべて退けた。
To stick to his aesthetics, he rejected all temptations of worldly success.
Purpose clause '...tame' + direct object 'yūwaku'.
その甘美な旋律は、聴く者を奈落の底へと誘惑するかのようだった。
That sweet melody was as if it were tempting the listener to the bottom of the abyss.
'~ka no yō datta' (as if it were...).
カリスマ的な指導者は、巧みな弁舌で若者たちを過激な思想へと誘惑した。
The charismatic leader enticed the youth into radical ideologies with skillful oratory.
Transitive 'yūwaku shita' with 'e to' indicating direction.
孤独な魂を誘惑するのは、それほど難しいことではない。
Tempting a lonely soul is not such a difficult thing.
Topic marker 'wa' used with nominalized phrase.
虚無主義の誘惑に絡め取られ、彼は自らの存在意義を見失った。
Entangled by the temptation of nihilism, he lost sight of his own reason for existence.
Passive form 'karametorareru' (to be entangled/caught up).
絶対的な権力は、最も高潔な人格さえも誘惑し、腐敗させる。
Absolute power tempts and corrupts even the most noble of personalities.
Parallel verbs 'yūwaku shi' and 'fuhai saseru'.
作家は言葉の海を泳ぎながら、常に「沈黙」という誘惑と戦っている。
While swimming through the sea of words, writers are constantly fighting the temptation of 'silence'.
Simultaneous action '~nagara' + current state '~te iru'.
科学の進歩がもたらす神のごとき力の誘惑に、人類はどう抗うべきか。
How should humanity resist the temptation of god-like power brought about by scientific progress?
Relative clause 'shinpō ga motarasu' modifying 'chikara'.
その映像美は、観客の感性を根底から揺さぶり、異世界へと誘惑する。
The visual beauty shakes the audience's sensibilities from the roots and tempts them into another world.
Compound sentence with parallel effects.
彼は、大衆を誘惑するためのレトリックを極めた希代の扇動家であった。
He was a rare demagogue who had mastered the rhetoric for tempting the masses.
'...tame no' modifying 'retorikku'.
愛という名の誘惑は、時に残酷なまでの自己犠牲を強いる。
The temptation named love sometimes forces a cruel level of self-sacrifice.
Noun phrase '...to iu na no' (by the name of...).
真理の探究という崇高な目的の裏には、常に傲慢という誘惑が潜んでいる。
Behind the noble purpose of searching for truth, the temptation of arrogance always lurks.
Location 'ura ni wa' + existence verb 'hisonde iru'.
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
— To win against temptation; to successfully resist.
自分との戦いに勝ち、誘惑に勝つ。
— To shake off temptation; to actively dismiss a tempting thought.
眠気の誘惑を振り払って勉強する。
— To drown in temptation; to lose oneself to desires.
快楽の誘惑に溺れてはいけない。
— To take the bait; to accept a tempting offer.
怪しい投資の誘惑に乗ってしまった。
— To be deluded or led astray by temptation.
目先の利益の誘惑に惑わされるな。
— The trap of temptation.
それは巧妙に仕掛けられた誘惑の罠だった。
— To rebuff or reject a temptation strongly.
彼は賄賂の誘惑をきっぱりとはねつけた。
— Temptation creeps up on someone.
静かな生活に、再び誘惑が忍び寄る。
— To surrender oneself to temptation.
たまには誘惑に身を任せるのも悪くない。
— The seed of temptation; something that causes temptation.
家の中には誘惑の種がいっぱいだ。
Wird oft verwechselt mit
Sasou is a neutral invitation. Yūwaku is a temptation or seduction with a negative or irresistible pull.
Kanyū is formal solicitation, like for a club or insurance. Yūwaku is more about individual desire.
Sosonokasu is actively talking someone into doing something bad. Yūwaku can be passive (an object tempting you).
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
— The temptation of the snake; referring to the Biblical fall of man, meaning a very cunning temptation.
それはまさに蛇の誘惑のような言葉だった。
Literary— To suck the sweet juice; to take advantage of a situation for personal gain, often involving temptation.
彼は他人の手柄で甘い汁を吸っている。
Informal— To eat a poisoned bun; to accept a bribe or a tempting offer that will later cause ruin.
彼はついに毒まんじゅうを食べてしまった。
Political/Journalistic— To be pointed at from behind; to be gossiped about for giving in to social temptations or acting immorally.
誘惑に負けて不正をすれば、後ろ指を指されることになる。
General— To be possessed by an evil spirit; to have a momentary lapse in judgment due to temptation.
魔が差して、つい嘘をついてしまった。
General— To step off the path; to go astray morally, often due to temptation.
一度誘惑に負けると、道を踏み外しやすくなる。
General— To be lost in someone's beauty and scent; to be seduced by physical charm.
彼は彼女の色香に迷って、判断を誤った。
Literary— A hand coming out of the throat; to want something so badly (temptation) that it's almost physical.
その時計は喉から手が出るほど欲しい。
General— Poison for the eyes; something so tempting that just looking at it makes you want it (and it's bad for you).
ダイエット中の私にとって、このケーキは目の毒だ。
Common— To step on a tiger's tail; to take a dangerous risk, sometimes because of a tempting reward.
その誘惑に乗るのは、虎の尾を踏むようなものだ。
GeneralLeicht verwechselbar
Both involve attraction.
Miryō is positive fascination (art, beauty). Yūwaku is often negative or a 'guilty' temptation.
彼の演技に魅了された (Fascinated by his acting) vs. 彼の言葉に誘惑された (Tempted by his words).
Shares the 'waku' kanji.
Madowasu focuses on the confusion/delusion aspect. Yūwaku focuses on the attraction/temptation aspect.
敵を惑わす (Confuse the enemy) vs. 敵を誘惑する (Tempt the enemy).
Both mean 'to attract'.
Hikitsukeru is a neutral physical or metaphorical draw. Yūwaku involves a moral or personal choice/struggle.
人を引き付ける魅力 (Charm that attracts people) vs. 人を誘惑する罠 (A trap that tempts people).
Both mean 'to lure'.
Obikiyoseru is usually for traps or physical movement. Yūwaku is about internal desire.
獲物をおびき寄せる (Lure the prey) vs. 獲物を誘惑する (Tempt the prey - sounds more psychological).
Both can mean 'to lure' in slang.
Tsuru implies bait and a clear 'catch'. Yūwaku is more about the psychological state of being tempted.
金で釣る (Lure with money - blunt) vs. 金で誘惑する (Tempt with money - slightly more nuanced).
Satzmuster
[Noun] が [Person] を 誘惑する
ケーキが私を誘惑する。
[Noun] に 誘惑される
お菓子に誘惑される。
[Noun] の 誘惑に負ける
お金の誘惑に負ける。
誘惑しようとする
彼女を誘惑しようとする。
誘惑を断ち切る
ギャンブルの誘惑を断ち切る。
[Verb-dictionary] という 誘惑
寝るという誘惑。
誘惑に抗う
権力の誘惑に抗う。
誘惑に絡め取られる
虚栄心の誘惑に絡め取られる。
Wortfamilie
Substantive
Verben
Adjektive
Verwandt
So verwendest du es
Common in both daily life (food/shopping) and literature (morality/drama).
-
Using 'yūwaku suru' for a normal dinner invitation.
→
Tomodachi o ranchi ni sasotta.
'Yūwaku suru' sounds like you are trying to seduce them or lead them into a bad situation. Use 'sasou' for normal social plans.
-
Saying 'Watashi wa keki o yūwaku shita.'
→
Watashi wa keki ni yūwaku sareta.
The first one means 'I tempted the cake.' Unless you are a very attractive human to cakes, you want the passive 'sareta' (was tempted by).
-
Using 'yūwaku suru' for encouraging someone to study.
→
Benkyō o unagasu / susumeru.
'Yūwaku' is for leading someone *away* from what they should do. Encouraging good behavior is 'unagasu' (urge) or 'susumeru' (recommend).
-
Thinking 'yūwaku' is always a noun.
→
Yūwaku suru (verb).
It is a suru-verb. You can't just say 'Okashi ga watashi o yūwaku' without the 'suru'.
-
Confusing 'yūwaku' with 'miryō' in an art gallery.
→
E ni miryō sareta.
If you are moved by the beauty of a painting, use 'miryō'. If the painting is so good you want to steal it, then maybe you can use 'yūwaku'.
Tipps
Master the Passive
Always remember that 'Noun ni yūwaku sareru' is more common than 'Noun ga yūwaku suru' when talking about your own feelings. It emphasizes that the temptation is a force acting upon you.
The 'Guilt' Factor
Use 'yūwaku' when there's at least a tiny bit of guilt or a sense that you 'shouldn't' be doing it. If it's a pure, good attraction, use 'miryō' or 'hikitsukeru'.
Playful Refusal
When someone offers you a second helping of dessert, saying 'Yūwaku shinaide kudasai!' (Don't tempt me!) is a very natural and polite way to decline while acknowledging the food looks good.
Learn the Collocations
Memorize 'yūwaku ni makeru' (lose to) and 'yūwaku o断ち切る' (cut off). These two phrases cover 80% of how the word is used in daily life.
Kanji Breakdown
The first kanji 誘 (yū) is the same as in 誘う (sasou - invite). The second 惑 (waku) is in 迷惑 (meiwaku - trouble). Temptation is an 'invitation that causes trouble/confusion'.
Conbini Temptation
In Japan, 'conbini yūwaku' is a real thing. Use this phrase with Japanese friends to talk about the struggle of not buying snacks every time you go into a 7-Eleven.
Anime Villains
Pay attention to how villains in anime use this word. They often try to 'yūwaku' the hero with promises of power (chikara) or revenge (fukushū).
The Devoiced 'U'
In 'yūwaku suru', the 'u' in 'ku' and 'su' is very short. It sounds almost like 'yūwak-suru'. This makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Moral Context
When reading news about corruption or scandals, 'yūwaku' is the standard word for describe how someone was led to commit a crime for money or status.
Word Webbing
Link 'yūwaku' with 'amai' (sweet). In Japanese, temptations are almost always 'amai'—even if they have nothing to do with sugar. 'Amai yūwaku' is a classic phrase.
Einprägen
Eselsbrücke
Think of 'You (誘) walk (惑) into a trap.' The first sound 'Yu' sounds like 'You,' and the second part sounds like 'walk.' You walk into temptation!
Visuelle Assoziation
Imagine a shiny, red apple (temptation) with a fishing hook inside it. The apple is 'inviting' (誘) you, but the hook will 'confuse/trap' (惑) you.
Word Web
Herausforderung
Try to identify three things that 'yūwaku suru' you today and write them down in Japanese using the passive form 'ni yūwaku sareru'.
Wortherkunft
The word is a Sino-Japanese (Kango) compound. '誘' (yū) comes from the Old Chinese meaning 'to lead' or 'to entice.' '惑' (waku) means 'to be confused' or 'to go astray.'
Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: To lead someone into a state of confusion or moral error.
Japonic (Sino-Japanese vocabulary).Kultureller Kontext
Be careful when using it toward people. Calling someone a 'yūwakusha' (seducer) can be a serious accusation or a very heavy flirtation, depending on the tone.
English speakers often use 'tempt' for small things and 'seduce' for sexual things. Japanese uses one word for both, but the context usually makes the meaning clear.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Dieting
- ケーキの誘惑
- 誘惑に負ける
- 甘い香りに誘惑される
- 誘惑を我慢する
Crime/Scams
- うまい話で誘惑する
- 悪の道へ誘惑する
- 金銭の誘惑
- 誘惑に乗る
Romance
- 異性を誘惑する
- 誘惑的な目つき
- 色香で誘惑する
- 誘惑に負けて浮気する
Shopping/Marketing
- セールの誘惑
- 新商品の誘惑
- 広告が誘惑する
- 衝動買いの誘惑
Work/Study
- スマホの誘惑
- 遊びの誘惑
- 転職の誘惑
- 誘惑を断ち切って勉強する
Gesprächseinstiege
"最近、何か誘惑に負けて買ったものはありますか? (Recently, is there anything you bought because you lost to temptation?)"
"ダイエット中、一番の誘惑は何ですか? (What is the biggest temptation when you are on a diet?)"
"都会の誘惑についてどう思いますか? (What do you think about the temptations of the city?)"
"友達に「勉強しないで遊ぼう」と誘惑されたらどうしますか? (What would you do if a friend tempted you to play instead of studying?)"
"自分を一番誘惑する食べ物は何ですか? (What food tempts you the most?)"
Tagebuch-Impulse
今日、誘惑に負けそうになった瞬間について書いてください。 (Write about a moment today when you almost gave in to temptation.)
あなたが考える「最高の誘惑」とは何ですか? (What do you consider the 'ultimate temptation'?)
誘惑を断ち切るための自分なりの方法を説明してください。 (Explain your own methods for cutting off temptation.)
昔、誘惑に負けて失敗した経験はありますか? (Do you have an experience from the past where you failed because you gave in to temptation?)
もし悪魔があなたを誘惑しに来たら、何を提示されたら負けてしまうと思いますか? (If a devil came to tempt you, what offer would make you give in?)
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNo. While it can mean 'to seduce,' it is very frequently used for non-sexual things like food, money, or skipping work. In Japanese, it's a broad term for any irresistible urge.
'Sasou' is a normal invitation (e.g., to lunch). 'Yūwaku suru' implies you are trying to lead them into something they shouldn't do or something that is a distraction.
Generally, no. It carries a nuance of 'leading away from the right path.' If you want to say someone was attracted to something good, use 'miryō suru' (fascinate) or 'hikitsukeru' (attract).
The most natural way is 'Yūwaku ni makesō' (I'm about to lose to temptation) or 'Yūwaku sareru' (I am tempted).
It's more common in literature or movies than in daily conversation. Calling someone that in real life is quite dramatic.
Yes, it's a 'Heiban' (flat) type verb. The pitch starts low and stays high for the rest of the word in standard Tokyo Japanese.
Yes! 'Kēki ga watashi o yūwaku suru' (The cake tempts me) is perfectly correct and very common.
There isn't a single direct opposite, but 'keikoku' (warning) or 'rissuru' (discipline) are often used in contrasting contexts.
The second kanji, '惑', has 12 strokes and can be tricky. Remember the 'heart' (心) at the bottom!
Use it carefully. You might use it to describe a competitor's 'alluring' but risky offer, or a 'tempting' but dangerous investment. It's a strong word.
Teste dich selbst 200 Fragen
Translate into Japanese: 'I was tempted by the cake.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate into Japanese: 'Don't give in to temptation.'
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Translate into Japanese: 'The city has many temptations.'
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Translate into Japanese: 'He tried to tempt me with money.'
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Translate into Japanese: 'It is hard to resist temptation.'
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Translate into Japanese: 'She is a seductive woman.'
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Translate into Japanese: 'I lost to the temptation of sleep.'
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Translate into Japanese: 'Please don't tempt me while I'm on a diet.'
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Translate into Japanese: 'He was enticed by his friends and went to the casino.'
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Translate into Japanese: 'Resisting temptation is a test of character.'
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Write a sentence using '誘惑に弱い'.
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Write a sentence using '誘惑を断ち切る'.
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Translate into Japanese: 'The devil tempted the saint.'
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Translate into Japanese: 'I was tempted by the smell of bread.'
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Translate into Japanese: 'Modern society is full of temptations.'
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Translate into Japanese: 'That was a sweet temptation.'
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Translate into Japanese: 'I can't win against temptation.'
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Translate into Japanese: 'He seduced her with sweet words.'
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Translate into Japanese: 'The advertisement tempts the consumers.'
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Translate into Japanese: 'We must not be tempted by immediate profit.'
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Pronounce '誘惑する' with the correct pitch accent.
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Say 'Don't tempt me' in Japanese.
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Say 'I was tempted by the sweets' in Japanese.
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Describe a time you were tempted using '誘惑に負けた'.
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Say 'The temptation of money is strong' in Japanese.
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Roleplay: You are on a diet. Your friend offers you a donut. Refuse using 'yūwaku'.
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Explain the difference between 'sasou' and 'yūwaku' in Japanese.
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Say 'I must resist the temptation' in Japanese.
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Use 'yūwakuteki' to describe a place.
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Say 'I am weak against temptation' in Japanese.
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Say 'He tried to tempt me' in Japanese.
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Say 'The smell of coffee tempts me' in Japanese.
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How do you say 'seductive smile'?
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Say 'I gave in to temptation and bought it' in Japanese.
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Say 'Resist the temptation!' in Japanese.
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Say 'I'm tempted to go home early' in Japanese.
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Say 'The devil's temptation' in Japanese.
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Say 'Don't be deluded by temptation' in Japanese.
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Say 'temptation of the city' in Japanese.
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Say 'I was tempted by high salary' in Japanese.
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Listen to the sentence and identify the object of temptation: 'あのお店のケーキの香りが、ダイエット中の私を誘惑してくる。'
Is the speaker resisting or giving in? '誘惑に負けて、つい夜食を食べてしまった。'
Who is the tempter? '彼は甘い言葉で、彼女を誘惑しようとした。'
What is being described as 'yūwakuteki'? 'その誘惑的な赤いドレスに、誰もが目を奪われた。'
What is the speaker's advice? '都会の誘惑に惑わされてはいけません。'
Identify the destination: '彼は悪い仲間に誘惑されて、ギャンブル場へ行った。'
What is the reason for leaving? '高い報酬の誘惑に勝てず、彼は会社を辞めた。'
Is the temptation strong or weak? 'その誘惑を断ち切るのは、並大抵のことではない。'
What is the emotion? '誘惑に弱い自分が嫌になる。'
What is the 'bait'? '彼は金で人を誘惑するような男だ。'
Does the person succeed in resisting? '誘惑を振り払って、徹夜で勉強した。'
Who is being warned? '若者よ、甘い誘惑には気をつけなさい。'
What is the metaphor? 'それはまさに蛇の誘惑だった。'
Identify the passive form: '私は彼の魅力に誘惑された。'
What was the result? '誘惑に乗って、詐欺に遭ってしまった。'
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
誘惑する (yūwaku suru) is your go-to word for describing the pull of temptation. Whether you're struggling with a diet or a major life decision, it captures that feeling of being 'led astray' by desire. Example: '誘惑に負けないで!' (Don't give in to temptation!).
- A verb meaning 'to tempt' or 'to seduce,' combining 'invite' (誘) and 'delude' (惑).
- Used for everything from food cravings to moral dilemmas and romantic seduction.
- Differs from 'sasou' (invite) by implying a negative or irresistible pull.
- Often used in the passive form 'yūwaku sareru' (to be tempted).
Master the Passive
Always remember that 'Noun ni yūwaku sareru' is more common than 'Noun ga yūwaku suru' when talking about your own feelings. It emphasizes that the temptation is a force acting upon you.
The 'Guilt' Factor
Use 'yūwaku' when there's at least a tiny bit of guilt or a sense that you 'shouldn't' be doing it. If it's a pure, good attraction, use 'miryō' or 'hikitsukeru'.
Playful Refusal
When someone offers you a second helping of dessert, saying 'Yūwaku shinaide kudasai!' (Don't tempt me!) is a very natural and polite way to decline while acknowledging the food looks good.
Learn the Collocations
Memorize 'yūwaku ni makeru' (lose to) and 'yūwaku o断ち切る' (cut off). These two phrases cover 80% of how the word is used in daily life.
Verwandte Inhalte
Dieses Wort in anderen Sprachen
Mehr emotions Wörter
ぼんやり
B1Verschwommen; geistesabwesend. Wird verwendet, um eine unklare Sicht oder einen unkonzentrierten Geisteszustand zu beschreiben.
夢中
B1Absorption; engrossment; infatuation.
受け止める
B1Etwas (z.B. einen Ball) auffangen oder eine Situation/Kritik ernsthaft annehmen.
達成感
B1Das Gefühl der Zufriedenheit und des Stolzes, wenn Sie eine Aufgabe erfolgreich abgeschlossen oder ein Ziel erreicht haben. Es ist die Belohnung für Ihre Bemühungen.
ひしひしと
B1Acutely; keenly; strongly (feeling something).
適応する
B1Sich an eine neue Umgebung anzupassen ist der Schlüssel zum Erfolg.
健気な
B2Beschreibt jemanden, der trotz Schwäche oder schwieriger Umstände bewundernswerten Mut und Einsatz zeigt.
感心な
B1Bewundernswert; lobenswert. 'Er ist ein bewundernswerter Junge, der fleißig lernt.' 'Ihre Einstellung ist wirklich bewundernswert.'
感心
B1Bewunderung oder beeindruckt sein von der Leistung oder dem Verhalten einer Person.
感心する
B1Von den Fähigkeiten oder dem Verhalten einer Person beeindruckt sein.