説得する in 30 Seconds
- A B1-level verb meaning 'to persuade' or 'to convince'.
- Uses the particle 'を' for the person being persuaded.
- Combines 'explanation' (説) and 'gain' (得) to imply winning agreement.
- Common in business, family negotiations, and serious dialogue.
The Japanese verb 説得する (settoku suru) is a compound verb consisting of the kanji 説 (explanation, theory, or to talk) and 得 (to gain, to acquire, or profit). At its core, it describes the act of using logical reasoning, emotional appeals, or evidence to bring someone around to your way of thinking. Unlike simple 'talking,' 説得 implies a specific goal: changing the listener's mind or behavior through verbal communication. It is a B1-level word, essential for intermediate learners who are moving beyond basic survival Japanese into the realm of negotiation, debate, and interpersonal influence.
- Etymological Nuance
- The first kanji, 説, is found in words like 説明 (explanation) and 小説 (novel). It suggests a structured delivery of information. The second kanji, 得, suggests that the speaker 'gains' the listener's agreement or that the listener 'gains' an understanding that leads to action.
- Logical vs. Emotional
- While it can involve emotion, 説得する typically leans toward the logical side. It is the process of 'talking someone into' something by showing them why it makes sense.
「両親を説得して、留学することに決めた。」 (I persuaded my parents and decided to study abroad.)
In a professional context, this word is indispensable. Whether you are a salesperson trying to close a deal or a manager trying to implement a new policy, you are engaging in 説得. It differs from 納得させる (nattoku saseru), which focuses more on making the other person truly 'understand and accept' internally, whereas 説得する is the external action of trying to achieve that state. You can 説得 someone for hours without them ever reaching 納得.
「彼は粘り強く反対派を説得した。」 (He tenaciously persuaded the opposition.)
Culturally, Japanese persuasion often involves 'reading the air' (KY - kuuki wo yomu). While the word 説得する sounds direct, the actual process in Japan often involves a great deal of indirect suggestion and building consensus (nemawashi) before the formal 'persuasion' even takes place. Using this word correctly shows a high level of social intelligence in Japanese communication.
- Register
- It is a formal to semi-formal word. In very casual settings, people might use '言い聞かせる' (to tell/explain to) or '丸め込む' (to sweet-talk/cajole), but 説得する remains the standard for respectful, goal-oriented dialogue.
Using 説得する effectively requires understanding its grammatical structure and the specific contexts where it thrives. As a Suru-verb, it is highly versatile, but it follows a strict pattern: [Subject] が [Target] を [Goal/Action] よう (に) 説得する.
「妻を説得して、新しい車を買わせてもらった。」 (I persuaded my wife and she let me buy a new car.)
One of the most common structures is using the 'te-form' to show the result of the persuasion. For example, '説得して〜させる' (Persuade someone to do something). This highlights the causative nature of the action. You aren't just talking; you are causing a change in the other person's intent.
- Common Patterns
- 1. [Person] を説得する: To persuade [Person].
2. 説得を試みる (settoku wo kokoromiru): To attempt persuasion.
3. 説得に応じる (settoku ni oujiru): To yield to persuasion.
4. 説得力がある (settokuryoku ga aru): To be persuasive (literally: to have persuasion power).
In business, 説得 is often paired with data. You might hear 'データに基づいて説得する' (Persuade based on data). This emphasizes the logical component of the word. If you are trying to persuade someone through purely emotional manipulation, words like '言いくるめる' (to talk someone into something/deceive) might be used by the observer, but the speaker would still claim they are '説得'-ing.
「客を説得するには、まず信頼関係を築く必要がある。」 (To persuade a client, you first need to build a relationship of trust.)
The noun form, 説得 (settoku), is also frequently used. You can say '説得が難しい' (Persuasion is difficult) or '説得に成功した' (Succeeded in persuasion). Understanding the noun usage allows you to describe the process as an abstract concept rather than just an action.
You will encounter 説得する in a wide variety of settings, ranging from high-stakes political dramas to everyday family discussions. It is a staple of 'salaryman' Japanese, often appearing in meetings where different departments have conflicting interests.
- In Business
- During negotiations with clients or internal meetings. '上司を説得して予算を確保した' (I persuaded my boss and secured the budget). It implies a professional struggle and eventual victory.
- In News and Media
- Journalists use it when reporting on diplomacy or legal cases. '政府は国民を説得し続けている' (The government continues to try and persuade the public). Here, it carries a weight of responsibility.
「犯人を投降するよう説得する。」 (Persuade the criminal to surrender.)
In anime and manga, 説得 is often the climax of a conflict. Instead of a physical fight, the protagonist might use 'Talk-no-Jutsu' (a fan term for long-winded persuasion) to change the villain's heart. In these contexts, the word emphasizes the power of words over violence.
In daily life, you'll hear it when friends discuss their problems. '親をどうやって説得すればいいかな？' (How should I persuade my parents?). It signals that there is a barrier or disagreement that needs to be overcome through dialogue. It is a word of effort and intention.
While 説得する is straightforward, learners often trip up on its nuance compared to similar verbs or use the wrong particles.
- Mistake 1: Confusing with '納得させる'
- 説得する is the *action* of trying to persuade. 納得させる is the *result* of making someone understand and agree. You can say '説得したけれど、納得してくれなかった' (I persuaded/tried to persuade them, but they didn't agree/weren't convinced).
- Mistake 2: Wrong Particle
- Learners often use 'に' for the person being persuaded because they think of 'talking TO someone.' However, in Japanese, the person is the direct object of the persuasion: [Person] を 説得する.
❌ 「父に説得した。」 (Incorrect)
✅ 「父を説得した。」 (Correct)
Another common error is using 説得する for simple explanations. If you are just telling someone how a machine works, use 説明する (setsumei suru). 説得 implies a conflict of opinion or a need for the other person to change their mind. If there is no disagreement, 説得 is too strong.
Finally, be careful with the word '説教する' (sekkyou suru). It sounds similar but means 'to lecture' or 'to scold.' If you tell your boss you '説教した' them, you are saying you scolded them, which would be a major social blunder!
Japanese has several words that overlap with 説得する, each with a distinct flavor. Choosing the right one depends on your intent and the relationship between the speakers.
- 説き伏せる (Tokifuseru)
- This is a more forceful version of persuasion. It literally means to 'talk someone down' or 'overpower them with logic.' It suggests the other person had no choice but to give in because your argument was so strong.
- 勧める (Susumeru)
- This means 'to recommend' or 'to suggest.' It is much softer than 説得. You might 勧める a dish at a restaurant, but you 説得 your friend to move to a new city.
- 言いくるめる (Iikurumeru)
- This has a negative connotation. It means to 'talk someone into something' by using sophistry, half-truths, or confusing them. It's 'manipulating' rather than 'persuading.'
「彼は言葉巧みに相手を言いくるめた。」 (He skillfully talked the other party into it/deceived them.)
Then there is 口説く (Kudoku). While it can mean to persuade, it is most commonly used in a romantic context, meaning 'to hit on' or 'to woo' someone. If you use 説得する on a date, it sounds like you're trying to win a debate; if you use 口説く in a business meeting, it sounds very inappropriate!
Understanding these synonyms helps you navigate the social hierarchy and emotional landscape of Japan. 説得する remains the most 'neutral' and 'professional' choice for serious persuasion.
How Formal Is It?
Difficulty Rating
Grammar to Know
〜ように (In order to/so that)
〜させる (Causative form)
〜てくれる/もらう (Benefactive verbs)
〜ことにする (Decide to do)
〜わけだ (That's why/it follows that)
Examples by Level
母を説得します。
I will persuade my mother.
Basic present tense.
友達を説得した。
I persuaded my friend.
Past tense.
説得は難しいです。
Persuasion is difficult.
Noun usage.
彼を説得してください。
Please persuade him.
Te-form + kudasai.
説得できるかな？
I wonder if I can persuade them?
Potential form + kana.
父を説得して、猫を飼った。
I persuaded my father and got a cat.
Te-form for sequence.
先生を説得しましょう。
Let's persuade the teacher.
Mashou form (suggestion).
説得は大切です。
Persuasion is important.
Simple noun sentence.
旅行に行くように両親を説得した。
I persuaded my parents to go on a trip.
Using 'you ni' to show the goal.
彼は私を説得しようとした。
He tried to persuade me.
Volitional form + to suru (attempt).
彼女を説得するのは無理だ。
It's impossible to persuade her.
Noun clause with 'no wa'.
もっと説得力が必要だ。
More persuasiveness is needed.
Settokuryoku (persuasive power).
兄を説得して、宿題を手伝ってもらった。
I persuaded my brother and had him help with my homework.
Te-form + morau (benefactive).
どうやって彼を説得したの？
How did you persuade him?
Dou yatte (how).
粘り強く説得を続けた。
I continued to persuade tenaciously.
Adverb + noun + verb.
説得がうまくいきました。
The persuasion went well.
Umaku iku (to go well).
反対している住民を説得するのは時間がかかる。
It takes time to persuade the residents who are opposing.
Relative clause + noun clause.
社長を説得して、新しいプロジェクトを始めた。
I persuaded the president and started a new project.
Professional context.
彼の話には説得力がある。
His story is persuasive.
Settokuryoku (persuasive power).
何度も説得を試みたが、無駄だった。
I tried to persuade them many times, but it was in vain.
Attempting an action (kokoromiru).
君が彼を説得してくれると助かるよ。
It would help if you could persuade him for me.
Te-kureru (benefactive).
感情に訴えるよりも、論理的に説得すべきだ。
You should persuade logically rather than appealing to emotions.
Subeki (should).
説得に応じる気は全くない。
I have no intention of yielding to persuasion.
Settoku ni oujiru (to yield).
彼は言葉巧みに私を説得した。
He persuaded me with skillful words.
Kotoba takumi ni (skillfully).
粘り強い説得の末、ようやく合意に至った。
After persistent persuasion, we finally reached an agreement.
No sue (after/at the end of).
顧客を説得するための資料を作成する。
I will prepare materials to persuade the client.
Tame no (for the purpose of).
彼女の説得力のあるプレゼンに圧倒された。
I was overwhelmed by her persuasive presentation.
Passive voice (attou sareta).
上司を説得できないようでは、プロとは言えない。
If you can't persuade your boss, you can't be called a professional.
You de wa (if it's the case that).
反対派を説得するのに、多大な労力を費やした。
I spent a great deal of effort in persuading the opposition.
No ni (in order to/for).
説得の仕方が悪かったのかもしれない。
Maybe the way of persuading was bad.
Shikata (way of doing).
彼は自分の非を認め、説得を受け入れた。
He admitted his fault and accepted the persuasion.
Ukeireru (to accept).
説得工作が水面下で進められている。
Persuasion efforts are being carried out behind the scenes.
Suimenka (under the surface/behind scenes).
データに基づいた説得は、感情論よりもはるかに効果的だ。
Persuasion based on data is far more effective than emotional arguments.
Ni motozuita (based on).
彼は巧みな弁舌で、聴衆を説得することに成功した。
With his skillful eloquence, he succeeded in persuading the audience.
Koto ni seikou suru (succeed in).
不本意ながらも、周囲の説得に屈する形となった。
Reluctantly, I ended up yielding to the persuasion of those around me.
Kussuru (to yield/succumb).
説得のプロセスにおいて、共感は不可欠な要素である。
In the process of persuasion, empathy is an indispensable element.
Inoite (in/at).
彼の主張には、人を説得するだけの根拠が欠けている。
His claim lacks sufficient grounds to persuade people.
Dake no (enough to).
政府は増税の必要性を国民に説得しきれなかった。
The government failed to fully persuade the public of the need for tax hikes.
Shikiru (to do completely - negative).
外交交渉においては、相手国を説得する粘り強さが求められる。
In diplomatic negotiations, the tenacity to persuade the other country is required.
Motomerareru (is required).
説得という行為は、相手への敬意があってこそ成り立つ。
The act of persuasion only works when there is respect for the other party.
Atte koso (only because of).
彼の言説は極めて論理的であり、反論の余地を与えないほどの説得力を備えていた。
His discourse was extremely logical, possessing such persuasiveness that it left no room for refutation.
Yochi wo ataenai (leave no room).
歴史を振り返れば、一人の指導者の説得が国家の運命を変えた例は枚挙に暇がない。
Looking back at history, examples of a single leader's persuasion changing a nation's fate are too numerous to mention.
Maikyo ni itoma ga nai (too many to count).
真の説得とは、単なる妥協ではなく、価値観の共有を目指すべきものである。
True persuasion should aim for the sharing of values, not merely a compromise.
Bekimono (something that should be).
彼は沈黙という名の説得を使いこなし、相手の自省を促した。
He mastered the 'persuasion of silence,' prompting the other party to reflect on themselves.
To iu na no (named...).
説得の成否は、語られる内容よりも、語り手の誠実さに左右されることが多い。
The success or failure of persuasion is often influenced more by the speaker's sincerity than by the content spoken.
Sayou sareru (be influenced).
イデオロギーの対立を説得によって解消するのは、至難の業と言わざるを得ない。
It must be said that resolving ideological conflicts through persuasion is an extremely difficult feat.
Iiwazaru wo enai (cannot help but say).
その論文は、緻密な論理構成によって読者を説得し、既存の定説を覆した。
The paper persuaded readers through its meticulous logical structure and overturned existing established theories.
Chimitsu na (meticulous).
説得のパラドックスとは、説得しようとすればするほど、相手の拒絶反応を招くことである。
The paradox of persuasion is that the more one tries to persuade, the more it invites the other party's rejection.
Sureba suru hodo (the more... the more).
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Often Confused With
Idioms & Expressions
Easily Confused
Scolding/lecturing someone on their behavior.
Commentary or analysis (like on a sports game).
A public speech or oration.
Romantic persuasion or hitting on someone.
Inviting someone to join a group or buy a product.
Sentence Patterns
How to Use It
Used in news and business.
説得 is logical; 納得 is internal.
Don't use 'に' for the person.
- Using 'に' for the person.
- Confusing with '説教' (scolding).
- Using it for simple explanations.
- Confusing with '口説く'.
- Thinking it means 'to force'.
Tips
Direct Object
Always remember that the person you are persuading is the direct object (を).
Noun Form
Use '説得力' (persuasive power) to describe someone's speaking skills.
Nemawashi
In Japan, persuasion is often more effective if done privately before a meeting.
Settoku vs Nattoku
Settoku is the effort; Nattoku is the success.
Logical Flow
Use 'なぜなら' (because) to make your '説得' more logical.
Evidence
In essays, pair '説得する' with '根拠' (grounds/evidence).
Pitch Accent
It's a flat (Heiban) word, so keep your pitch steady.
Indirectness
Sometimes '説得' involves not saying what you want directly.
S-T-K
S-ettoku, T-alk, K-onvince (a bit of a stretch, but helps!).
Business
It's a high-frequency word in Japanese corporate culture.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
To SET (説) the stage and TOK (得) someone into gaining your point of view.
Word Origin
Sino-Japanese (Kango).
Cultural Context
Children often use 'Onegai' (please) as a form of emotional persuasion.
Persuasion is often done over drinks (Nomikai).
The term 'Setsumei-sekinin' (accountability/responsibility to explain) is often linked to the government's need to persuade the public.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Conversation Starters
"どうやって奥さんを説得したんですか？ (How did you persuade your wife?)"
"新しい企画について、上司を説得できる自信はありますか？ (Are you confident you can persuade your boss about the new project?)"
"説得力のある話し方をするには、何が一番大切だと思いますか？ (What do you think is most important for speaking persuasively?)"
"親を説得して留学した経験はありますか？ (Do you have experience persuading your parents to let you study abroad?)"
"反対派を説得するのは、本当に大変ですよね。 (Persuading the opposition is really tough, isn't it?)"
Journal Prompts
今日、誰かを説得したことがありますか？ (Did you persuade anyone today?)
自分が説得されたとき、何が決め手になりましたか？ (When you were persuaded, what was the deciding factor?)
説得するのが一番難しい相手は誰ですか？ (Who is the most difficult person to persuade?)
もし政府を説得できるなら、どんな法律を変えたいですか？ (If you could persuade the government, what law would you want to change?)
説得と強要の違いについて考えてみてください。 (Think about the difference between persuasion and coercion.)
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is a standard, neutral verb. You can use it with anyone, though you would use the polite form '説得します' with superiors.
Usually, you use '自分に言い聞かせる' (tell myself) or '納得する' (convince myself). '自分を説得する' is possible but less common.
説得 is about changing a mind. 交渉 (koushou) is 'negotiation,' which involves back-and-forth trading to reach a deal.
Yes, very often! Protagonists often '説得' the villain to stop their evil plans.
Yes, but '勧める' (recommend) or '誘う' (invite) might be more natural if there's no real disagreement.
Use '説得力のある' (settokuryoku no aru).
Use 'に' or 'ように'. Example: '行くように説得する'.
Yes, it means 'persuasion'.
It sounds a bit funny, as if you're treating the animal like a human. You'd usually use '言い聞かせる'.
Yes, it frequently appears in JLPT N3 and N2 levels.
Test Yourself 180 questions
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Summary
説得する (settoku suru) is the active process of using words and logic to move someone toward your position. It is more formal than 'talking' and more goal-oriented than 'explaining,' making it vital for professional and personal success.
- A B1-level verb meaning 'to persuade' or 'to convince'.
- Uses the particle 'を' for the person being persuaded.
- Combines 'explanation' (説) and 'gain' (得) to imply winning agreement.
- Common in business, family negotiations, and serious dialogue.
Direct Object
Always remember that the person you are persuading is the direct object (を).
Noun Form
Use '説得力' (persuasive power) to describe someone's speaking skills.
Nemawashi
In Japan, persuasion is often more effective if done privately before a meeting.
Settoku vs Nattoku
Settoku is the effort; Nattoku is the success.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More emotions words
ぼんやり
B1Vaguely; absentmindedly; dimly.
夢中
B1Absorption; engrossment; infatuation.
受け止める
B1To accept; to take; to grasp.
達成感
B1Sense of accomplishment.
ひしひしと
B1Acutely; keenly; strongly (feeling something).
適応する
B1To adapt; to adjust.
健気な
B2Brave, admirable, or plucky (especially of a weaker person).
感心な
B1Admirable; deserving admiration.
感心
B1Admiration, impression, or being impressed.
感心する
B1To be impressed; to admire.
