説得する
To persuade someone means to convince them to do or believe something.
Explanation at your level:
Hello! Today we learn a word: 説得する (settoku suru). It means to make someone agree with you. Imagine you want a cookie, and you ask your mom nicely, maybe saying 'Please?' That's a little bit like 説得する. You are trying to make her say 'yes'. It's like asking nicely until someone says okay. You use words to help someone decide to do something you want.
Let's talk about 説得する (settoku suru). This verb means to persuade or convince someone. When you try to make your friend play a game you like, you explain why it's fun. If they agree, you have persuaded them! It's about using your words to help someone change their mind or agree to do something. For example, you might try to 説得する your parents to buy you a new toy by explaining why you need it.
The Japanese verb 説得する (settoku suru) means to persuade or convince someone. It involves using arguments or reasoning to influence another person's decision or opinion. Think about convincing a classmate to study together for a test, or persuading a friend to try a new restaurant. You present your case, highlight the benefits, and aim for them to agree with you. It's a key communication skill used in everyday negotiations and discussions.
説得する (settoku suru) translates to 'to persuade' or 'to convince'. This verb implies a successful effort to influence someone's thoughts or actions through reasoned argument or appeal. It goes beyond simply stating an opinion; it involves understanding the other party's perspective and effectively presenting your viewpoint to gain their agreement. You might use 説得する when discussing business strategies, negotiating terms, or even trying to resolve a disagreement by making the other person see your point of view.
In Japanese, 説得する (settoku suru) signifies the act of successfully persuading or convincing an individual. This verb carries a nuance of skillful communication, often involving logical reasoning, emotional appeals, or a deep understanding of the audience's psychology to effect a change in belief or behavior. It can be applied in contexts ranging from marketing and public speaking to diplomatic negotiations and interpersonal conflict resolution. The effectiveness of 説得する often hinges on the credibility of the persuader and the strength of their arguments.
Mastering 説得する (settoku suru) involves understanding its full semantic range. This verb denotes the successful art of persuasion, implying not just the presentation of arguments but the ability to sway an audience's convictions or actions. Its usage can range from the mundane, like convincing a friend to see a particular movie, to the profound, such as a leader persuading a nation towards a particular policy. The term often implies a degree of intellectual or rhetorical prowess. Etymologically rooted in 'explaining to gain', it highlights the cognitive and emotional engagement required for true conviction, distinguishing it from mere coercion.
Word in 30 Seconds
- 説得する (settoku suru) means to persuade or convince someone.
- It involves using arguments or appeals to change opinions or actions.
- It's a versatile verb used in many contexts, from daily life to business.
- Key related terms include 説得力 (persuasive power) and 納得する (to be convinced).
Hey there! Let's dive into the awesome verb 説得する (settoku suru). What does it mean? Simply put, it's all about persuading or convincing someone. Think of it as a skillful act of communication where you aim to change someone's mind or get them to agree with you. It's not just about telling them what to do; it's about making them *want* to do it or believe it by presenting your case effectively.
Imagine you're trying to convince your parents to let you stay out a little later. You might explain why you need the extra time, how responsible you'll be, and maybe even offer to do extra chores. That whole process of presenting your arguments and making them see your point of view? That's 説得する in action! It’s a really useful skill in everyday life, from negotiating with friends to making important decisions.
The key here is the idea of successful influence. You're not just talking *at* someone; you're engaging with them, understanding their perspective, and then using your words to bridge the gap. It often involves logic, emotional appeals, or a combination of both. Mastering 説得する can help you build stronger relationships and achieve your goals more effectively.
The word 説得する (settoku suru) is a compound verb in Japanese, formed from the noun 説得 (settoku) and the verb する (suru), which means 'to do'. So, the core of the word is 説得 (settoku) itself.
Let's break down 説得 (settoku). It's made up of two kanji characters. The first is 説 (setsu), which means 'to explain', 'to theory', or 'opinion'. You see this kanji in words like 説明 (setsumei - explanation) or 解説 (kaisetsu - commentary). The second character is 得 (toku), which means 'to gain', 'to obtain', or 'to understand'. It appears in words like 獲得 (kakutoku - acquisition) or 得意 (tokui - strong point,得意).
When combined as 説得 (settoku), the meaning evolves to 'to explain and gain understanding' or 'to convince through explanation'. The historical development likely involved scholars and officials using reasoned arguments (説) to gain agreement or assent (得) from others. This practice of persuasion through discourse has been valued in many cultures for centuries, and Japanese is no exception. The verb form する (suru) is a general-purpose verb meaning 'to do', and it's frequently attached to nouns to create verbs, making 説得する a straightforward way to express the action of persuading.
説得する (settoku suru) is a versatile verb used in many situations where you need to influence someone. It's generally considered a neutral to slightly formal term, making it suitable for both professional and personal contexts, though in very casual chats with close friends, you might opt for simpler phrasing.
You'll often hear it used when someone is trying to convince another person to agree with a plan, buy a product, change their mind about something, or take a specific action. For example, a salesperson might try to 説得する a customer to buy their product, or a friend might try to 説得する you to go on a trip with them. The key is that there's an effort involved in changing someone's perspective.
Common collocations include:
- 説得力がある (settoku-ryoku ga aru): To have persuasive power; to be convincing. This describes someone or something that is good at persuading.
- 説得するのに時間がかかる (settoku suru no ni jikan ga kakaru): To take time to persuade. This highlights that persuasion isn't always easy or quick.
- うまく説得する (umaku settoku suru): To persuade skillfully or well. This emphasizes the effectiveness of the persuasion.
- 説得を試みる (settoku o kokoromiru): To attempt to persuade. This focuses on the effort rather than the outcome.
Remember, 説得する implies a successful outcome or at least a serious attempt to achieve one. It's about using your words to win someone over.
While 説得する (settoku suru) itself is a standard verb, the concept of persuasion is woven into many expressions. Here are a few related ideas:
1. 口がうまい (kuchi ga umai)
- Meaning: Literally 'mouth is skillful', this describes someone who is a smooth talker, good at persuading people, often using flattery or clever words.
- Example: 彼は口がうまいから、きっとあなたも説得されるよ。(Kare wa kuchi ga umai kara, kitto anata mo settoku sareru yo.) - He's a smooth talker, so I'm sure you'll be persuaded by him.
2. 言いくるめる (iikurumeru)
- Meaning: To talk someone into something, often by trickery or by confusing them with words; to win over by argument (sometimes unfairly). It's a more forceful or manipulative form of persuasion.
- Example: 彼は巧みな言葉で彼女を言いくるめた。(Kare wa takumi na kotoba de kanojo o iikurume ta.) - He talked her into it with his clever words.
3. 納得させる (nattoku saseru)
- Meaning: To make someone understand and accept something; to convince someone (in the sense of making them see the logic or truth). This is closely related to 説得する but emphasizes understanding and agreement.
- Example: 先生は生徒たちを納得させるように丁寧に説明した。(Sensei wa seitotachi o nattoku saseru you ni teinei ni setsumei shita.) - The teacher explained carefully to make the students understand and accept it.
4. 魂を揺さぶる (tamashii o yusaburu)
- Meaning: To stir someone's soul; to deeply move or inspire someone. While not direct persuasion, a powerful speech or story can persuade by deeply affecting someone emotionally.
- Example: 彼のスピーチは聴衆の魂を揺さぶった。(Kare no supiichi wa choushuu no tamashii o yusabutta.) - His speech stirred the souls of the audience.
5. 押し切る (oshikiru)
- Meaning: To push through or carry out something against opposition; to win over someone by persistence. This implies overcoming resistance, a strong form of persuasion.
- Example: 反対を押し切って、その計画を実行した。(Hantai o oshikitte, sono keikaku o jikkou shita.) - He pushed through the opposition and executed the plan.
説得する (settoku suru) is a Group 3 verb (also known as irregular or 'suru' verb) in Japanese. This means its conjugation patterns are a bit different from Group 1 or Group 2 verbs.
Conjugation:
- Masu-stem: 説得し (settoku shi) - used for polite forms like 説得します (settoku shimasu).
- Te-form: 説得して (settoku shite) - used for requests, connecting clauses, etc.
- Plain Past: 説得した (settoku shita)
- Potential: 説得できる (settoku dekiru) - can persuade
- Passive: 説得される (settoku sareru) - to be persuaded
- Causative: 説得させる (settoku saseru) - to make someone persuade (or to persuade someone strongly)
Pronunciation:
- The word is pronounced approximately 'set-to-ku soo-roo'.
- せつ (setsu): The 'tsu' sound is like the 'ts' in 'cats'.
- とく (toku): Similar to 'tock', but with a short 'o'.
- する (suru): The Japanese 'r' sound is a light flap, somewhere between an English 'r', 'l', and 'd'. It's not a strong roll.
IPA (approximate):
- Japanese: /set̚to̞kɯ̹ᵝ sɯᵝɾɯᵝ/
Stress: Japanese is largely pitch-accent based rather than stress-based like English. In Tokyo dialect, 'settoku suru' might have a high pitch on 'to' and 'su'.
Rhyming Words: Finding perfect rhymes in Japanese is tricky due to the limited syllable sounds. Words ending in '-oku suru' might share a similar rhythm, like 納得する (nattoku suru - to be convinced), but the initial sounds differ.
Fun Fact
The concept of persuasion through reasoned argument was highly valued in ancient Chinese philosophy, influencing Japanese thought and language.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'set-toh-koo soo-roo', with a light flap on the 'r'.
Similar to British pronunciation, 'set-toh-koo soo-roo', with a quick 't' sound in 'set'.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing 'tsu' as a hard 'tsu' sound instead of the softer Japanese 'tsu'.
- Over-emphasizing the 'r' in 'suru', making it sound too much like an English 'r'.
- Adding unnecessary stress to syllables, as Japanese is more pitch-based.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
easy/hard to read
easy/hard to write
easy/hard to speak
easy/hard to listen
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Te-form Conjugation
説得して (settoku shite)
Causative Verbs
説得させる (settoku saseru)
Passive Verbs
説得される (settoku sareru)
Examples by Level
I説得する my mom.
I persuade my mom.
Simple subject-object-verb structure.
He説得する his friend.
He persuades his friend.
Using the verb with a male subject.
Can you説得する me?
Can you persuade me?
Asking a question using the verb.
She説得する them.
She persuades them.
Using the verb with a plural object.
We説得する the teacher.
We persuade the teacher.
Plural subject with singular object.
Let's説得する him.
Let's persuade him.
Using 'let's' for suggestion.
I want to説得する you.
I want to persuade you.
Using the verb after 'want to'.
They説得する us.
They persuade us.
Plural subject, plural object.
I tried to 説得する my brother to share his toys, but he didn't agree.
I tried to persuade my brother to share his toys, but he didn't agree.
Using the past tense 'tried to persuade'.
The salesperson was very good at 説得する customers to buy the product.
The salesperson was very good at persuading customers to buy the product.
Using the verb after 'good at'.
She used logical arguments to 説得する her parents to let her go to the party.
She used logical arguments to persuade her parents to let her go to the party.
Connecting persuasion with 'logical arguments'.
It's difficult to 説得する someone who is completely set in their ways.
It's difficult to persuade someone who is completely set in their ways.
Using 'difficult to persuade'.
He managed to 説得する the team to change their strategy.
He managed to persuade the team to change their strategy.
Using 'managed to persuade'.
Can you 説得する the boss to give us more time for the project?
Can you persuade the boss to give us more time for the project?
Asking for persuasion regarding a work task.
Don't try to 説得する me with false promises.
Don't try to persuade me with false promises.
Negative command using 'don't try to persuade'.
Her calm explanation helped 説得する the audience.
Her calm explanation helped persuade the audience.
Using the verb as the object of 'helped'.
The lawyer presented a compelling case, aiming to 説得する the jury of his client's innocence.
The lawyer presented a compelling case, aiming to persuade the jury of his client's innocence.
Using 'aiming to persuade' in a formal context.
It took a lot of effort to 説得する my conservative grandparents to accept my partner.
It took a lot of effort to persuade my conservative grandparents to accept my partner.
Expressing difficulty in persuasion ('took a lot of effort').
She has a natural talent for 説得する people, always finding the right words to make them see her point of view.
She has a natural talent for persuading people, always finding the right words to make them see her point of view.
Using 'talent for persuading'.
We need to 説得する the committee that this project is financially viable.
We need to persuade the committee that this project is financially viable.
Persuading about a specific topic ('financially viable').
He tried to 説得する the striking workers to return to work by offering better conditions.
He tried to persuade the striking workers to return to work by offering better conditions.
Persuading in a labor dispute context.
The documentary aims to 説得する viewers about the urgency of climate change.
The documentary aims to persuade viewers about the urgency of climate change.
Using 'aims to persuade' for a media purpose.
Despite his best efforts, he couldn't 説得する her to change her mind.
Despite his best efforts, he couldn't persuade her to change her mind.
Expressing failure to persuade ('couldn't persuade').
Her passionate speech was enough to 説得する even the most skeptical audience members.
Her passionate speech was enough to persuade even the most skeptical audience members.
Describing the power of a speech to persuade.
The marketing team employed sophisticated psychological tactics to 説得する consumers into purchasing the new product.
The marketing team employed sophisticated psychological tactics to persuade consumers into purchasing the new product.
Using 'employ sophisticated tactics to persuade'.
Negotiators worked tirelessly to 説得する both sides to reach a compromise, highlighting the potential economic fallout of continued conflict.
Negotiators worked tirelessly to persuade both sides to reach a compromise, highlighting the potential economic fallout of continued conflict.
Persuading parties in a negotiation context.
His argument, though eloquent, failed to 説得する the board members, who were concerned about the long-term risks.
His argument, though eloquent, failed to persuade the board members, who were concerned about the long-term risks.
Using 'failed to persuade' with a contrasting clause.
The activist group launched a campaign to 説得する the public to boycott the company's products due to ethical concerns.
The activist group launched a campaign to persuade the public to boycott the company's products due to ethical concerns.
Persuading the public towards a specific action (boycott).
It's challenging to 説得する someone who has deeply ingrained beliefs, often requiring more than just rational discourse.
It's challenging to persuade someone who has deeply ingrained beliefs, often requiring more than just rational discourse.
Discussing the difficulty of persuading those with strong beliefs.
The teacher's ability to 説得する students about the importance of critical thinking was evident in their insightful questions.
The teacher's ability to persuade students about the importance of critical thinking was evident in their insightful questions.
Highlighting the positive outcome of persuasion in education.
She attempted to 説得する the committee to reconsider their decision by presenting new evidence.
She attempted to persuade the committee to reconsider their decision by presenting new evidence.
Using 'attempted to persuade' with a method ('by presenting new evidence').
The government's PR campaign was designed to 説得する the population of the necessity of the new policy.
The government's PR campaign was designed to persuade the population of the necessity of the new policy.
Persuading the public about government policy.
The diplomat skillfully navigated the complex negotiations, employing subtle rhetoric to 説得する the opposing delegation towards a mutually agreeable resolution.
The diplomat skillfully navigated the complex negotiations, employing subtle rhetoric to persuade the opposing delegation towards a mutually agreeable resolution.
Using 'subtle rhetoric to persuade' in a diplomatic context.
His philosophical treatise aimed not merely to inform but to fundamentally 説得する the reader of the existential nature of consciousness.
His philosophical treatise aimed not merely to inform but to fundamentally persuade the reader of the existential nature of consciousness.
Persuading about abstract philosophical concepts.
Despite the overwhelming scientific consensus, certain groups remain resistant to 説得する regarding the efficacy of vaccines.
Despite the overwhelming scientific consensus, certain groups remain resistant to persuasion regarding the efficacy of vaccines.
Discussing resistance to persuasion in a scientific context.
The film's director masterfully used visual storytelling to 説得する the audience about the protagonist's moral ambiguity.
The film's director masterfully used visual storytelling to persuade the audience about the protagonist's moral ambiguity.
Persuading through artistic medium (visual storytelling).
To 説得する the shareholders, the CEO emphasized the company's innovative pivot towards sustainable practices.
To persuade the shareholders, the CEO emphasized the company's innovative pivot towards sustainable practices.
Using infinitive phrase 'To persuade...' to state purpose.
The challenge lies in 説得する a public accustomed to instant gratification about the necessity of long-term environmental policies.
The challenge lies in persuading a public accustomed to instant gratification about the necessity of long-term environmental policies.
Persuading about long-term benefits vs. short-term desires.
Her persuasive arguments, coupled with her undeniable charisma, were instrumental in 説得する the panel to approve the funding.
Her persuasive arguments, coupled with her undeniable charisma, were instrumental in persuading the panel to approve the funding.
Using 'instrumental in persuading' to denote effectiveness.
The historical revisionist sought to 説得する readers that the established narrative was fundamentally flawed.
The historical revisionist sought to persuade readers that the established narrative was fundamentally flawed.
Persuading about a revised historical interpretation.
The orator's tour de force was his ability to 説得する the assembly, not through logical syllogisms alone, but by masterfully weaving emotional resonance and ethical appeals into his discourse.
The orator's tour de force was his ability to persuade the assembly, not through logical syllogisms alone, but by masterfully weaving emotional resonance and ethical appeals into his discourse.
Using advanced vocabulary ('tour de force', 'syllogisms', 'discourse') to describe persuasion.
Understanding the deep-seated cultural biases was paramount for the anthropologist seeking to 説得する the community elders about the benefits of modern healthcare practices.
Understanding the deep-seated cultural biases was paramount for the anthropologist seeking to persuade the community elders about the benefits of modern healthcare practices.
Persuading across significant cultural divides.
His seminal work attempted to 説得する the academic world that traditional interpretations of the text were woefully inadequate, proposing a radical new hermeneutic framework.
His seminal work attempted to persuade the academic world that traditional interpretations of the text were woefully inadequate, proposing a radical new hermeneutic framework.
Persuading an academic community with a new theory.
The subtle manipulation required to 説得する the public into accepting the surveillance measures was a testament to the government's sophisticated propaganda machine.
The subtle manipulation required to persuade the public into accepting the surveillance measures was a testament to the government's sophisticated propaganda machine.
Discussing persuasion as subtle manipulation.
She possessed an almost preternatural gift for 説得する, capable of turning adversaries into allies with a carefully chosen word or a disarming gesture.
She possessed an almost preternatural gift for persuasion, capable of turning adversaries into allies with a carefully chosen word or a disarming gesture.
Describing persuasion as an innate, almost supernatural skill.
The historical debate hinges on whether the leader's actions were driven by genuine conviction or a calculated attempt to 説得する the populace for political gain.
The historical debate hinges on whether the leader's actions were driven by genuine conviction or a calculated attempt to persuade the populace for political gain.
Analyzing the motive behind persuasion (conviction vs. political gain).
His critique aimed to 説得する contemporaries of the inherent limitations of positivist methodologies in social sciences.
His critique aimed to persuade contemporaries of the inherent limitations of positivist methodologies in social sciences.
Persuading peers about methodological limitations.
The art of 説得する lies not in overpowering the opponent, but in subtly guiding them towards a shared understanding and voluntary agreement.
The art of persuasion lies not in overpowering the opponent, but in subtly guiding them towards a shared understanding and voluntary agreement.
Defining the 'art' of persuasion as guidance, not force.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"言いくるめる (iikurumeru)"
To talk someone into something, often by using clever or confusing words; to win over by argument (sometimes unfairly).
彼は巧みな言葉で彼女を言いくるめた。(Kare wa takumi na kotoba de kanojo o iikurume ta.) - He talked her into it with his clever words.
casual/negative"丸め込む (marumekomu)"
To win someone over, often by flattery or cajoling; to smooth things over; to get someone on your side.
彼はうまく上司を丸め込んで、休暇を取った。(Kare wa umaku joushi o marumekonde, kyuuka o totta.) - He skillfully won over his boss and took a vacation.
casual"説き伏せる (tokifuseru)"
To persuade someone completely, often by arguing persistently until they agree.
長時間の議論の末、ついに彼を説き伏せた。(Choujikan no giron no sue, tsui ni kare o tokifuseta.) - After a long discussion, we finally persuaded him completely.
neutral/formal"口説く (kudoku)"
To persuade someone, especially to agree to a romantic relationship or to join a group/company.
彼は熱心に口説いて、新しいメンバーをチームに誘った。(Kare wa nesshin ni kudoite, atarashii menbaa o chiimu ni sasotta.) - He earnestly persuaded the new member to join the team.
casual/formal (context dependent)"耳を貸す (mimi o kasu)"
To listen to someone; to pay attention to what someone says. Implies being open to persuasion.
彼の意見にも少し耳を貸すべきだ。(Kare no iken ni mo sukoshi mimi o kasu beki da.) - You should listen to his opinion a little.
neutral"頭ごなしに言う (atama-gonashi ni iu)"
To speak to someone in a dictatorial or condescending way, without listening to their opinion. The opposite of effective persuasion.
頭ごなしに言っても、誰も聞かないよ。(Atama-gonashi ni itte mo, dare mo kikanai yo.) - No one will listen if you just talk down to them.
casualEasily Confused
Both relate to agreement or understanding.
説得する is *to persuade someone else*. 納得する is *to be convinced or understand oneself*.
彼は私を説得しようとしたが、私は納得しなかった。(Kare wa watashi o settoku shiyou to shita ga, watashi wa nattoku shinakatta.) - He tried to persuade me, but I wasn't convinced.
Both involve persuasion.
説得する is general persuasion. 口説く often implies romantic persuasion (courting) or persuading someone to join a team/company.
彼は彼女を口説いた。(Kare wa kanojo o kudoi ta.) - He courted her. / 彼はチームに加わるよう私を説得した。(Kare wa chiimu ni kuwawaru you watashi o settoku shita.) - He persuaded me to join the team.
Both involve using words.
説明する is simply 'to explain' or 'to clarify'. 説得する is 'to persuade' or 'to convince', aiming to change opinion or action.
先生は問題を説明した。(Sensei wa mondai o setsumei shita.) - The teacher explained the problem. / 彼は先生を説得して、宿題を延期させた。(Kare wa sensei o settoku shite, shukudai o enki sase ta.) - He persuaded the teacher to postpone the homework.
Both can lead to agreement.
提案する is 'to propose' or 'to suggest' an idea. 説得する is the act of convincing someone *about* a proposal or idea.
彼は新しい計画を提案した。(Kare wa atarashii keikaku o teian shita.) - He proposed a new plan. / 彼は計画の利点を説明して、皆を説得しようとした。(Kare wa keikaku no riten o setsumei shite, minna o settoku shiyou to shita.) - He tried to persuade everyone by explaining the plan's benefits.
Sentence Patterns
Noun + を + 説得する
友人<strong>を</strong>説得する (yuujin o settoku suru) - To persuade a friend.
Verb (te-form) + 説得する
一生懸命話して説得する (isshoukenmei hanashite settoku suru) - To persuade by talking earnestly.
説得する + のは + Adjective
彼を説得するのは難しい (kare o settoku suru no wa muzukashii) - It is difficult to persuade him.
Noun + が + 説得力がある
彼の話<strong>が</strong>説得力がある (kare no hanashi ga settoku-ryoku ga aru) - His story is convincing.
〜ために + 説得する
皆を納得させる<strong>ために</strong>説得する (minna o nattoku saseru tame ni settoku suru) - To persuade in order to make everyone understand.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
7/10 (Commonly used in various contexts)
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
説得する is transitive (you persuade *someone*), while 納得する is intransitive (you *become* convinced).
説得する implies an attempt to change someone's mind or get them to agree, not just convey information.
While 説得する can be used, it can sound a bit formal or intense among close friends compared to alternatives.
While both involve persuasion, 口説く has specific connotations that 説得する lacks.
Phrases like '説得を試みる' (attempt to persuade) show that the outcome isn't always positive.
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a 'settler' (settoku) trying to convince a native tribe (suru) to move to new land by explaining its benefits. The settler is 'settling' the argument.
When Native Speakers Use It
Native speakers use 説得する when they need to convince someone about a decision, a plan, or a viewpoint, especially in discussions or negotiations. E.g., 'I tried to persuade my boss to give me a raise.'
Cultural Insight
In Japanese culture, direct confrontation is often avoided. Persuasion might be done more subtly or indirectly compared to some Western cultures, emphasizing harmony (和 - wa).
Grammar Shortcut
Remember that 説得する is a 'suru' verb. To make it past tense, just change する to した (shita). To make it polite, change する to します (shimasu).
Say It Right
Focus on the 'tsu' in 'setsu' and the light flap 'r' in 'suru'. Listen to native speakers and mimic their pitch and rhythm.
Don't Make This Mistake
Avoid using 説得する when you simply mean 'to explain'. Always check if you are trying to influence someone's opinion or action.
Did You Know?
The kanji 説 (setsu) is also used in words like 'theory' (理論 - riron) and 'explanation' (説明 - setsumei), highlighting the connection between explanation and conviction.
Study Smart
Role-play scenarios! Practice persuading a friend to do something, or have them try to persuade you. Use 説得する in your practice sentences.
Beyond Simple Agreement
説得する isn't just about getting a 'yes'. It can also mean convincing someone to accept a difficult truth or a compromise.
Passive Voice Power
Use the passive form 説得される (settoku sareru) - 'to be persuaded' - when the focus is on the person being convinced, not the one doing the persuading.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine trying to 'set' (説) a 'tock' (得) sound on a clock to convince someone it's the right time. 'Set-tock-suru!'
Visual Association
Picture someone carefully explaining something with hand gestures (説) until the other person nods in agreement, gaining understanding (得).
Word Web
Challenge
Try to persuade a friend (in Japanese, if possible!) to watch your favorite movie using at least two reasons.
Word Origin
Chinese (via Japanese Kanji)
Original meaning: The character 説 (setsu) means 'to explain', 'theory', 'opinion'. The character 得 (toku) means 'to gain', 'to obtain', 'to understand'. Together, 説得 (settoku) means 'to gain understanding through explanation' or 'to convince'.
Cultural Context
While persuasion is common, manipulative or deceptive persuasion can be viewed negatively. Authenticity and respect for the other person's autonomy are generally valued.
In English-speaking cultures, persuasion is often seen as a key skill in business, politics, and personal relationships. Directness can be valued, but understanding the audience is crucial.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At Work
- 上司を説得する (joushi o settoku suru) - To persuade the boss
- 会議で提案を説得する (kaigi de teian o settoku suru) - To persuade with a proposal in a meeting
- クライアントを説得する (kuraianto o settoku suru) - To persuade a client
With Family/Friends
- 子供を説得する (kodomo o settoku suru) - To persuade a child
- 友人を説得する (yuujin o settoku suru) - To persuade a friend
- 家族を説得する (kazoku o settoku suru) - To persuade family
Sales & Marketing
- 顧客を説得する (kokyaku o settoku suru) - To persuade a customer
- 消費者を説得する (shouhisha o settoku suru) - To persuade consumers
- 製品を説得力をもって紹介する (seihin o settoku-ryoku o motte shoukai suru) - To introduce a product persuasively
Negotiations
- 相手を説得する (aite o settoku suru) - To persuade the other party
- 合意に達するために説得する (goui ni tassuru tame ni settoku suru) - To persuade to reach an agreement
- 交渉相手を説得する (koushou aite o settoku suru) - To persuade the negotiation partner
Conversation Starters
"What's the hardest thing you've ever had to persuade someone to do?"
"Do you think it's better to be persuasive or to be easily convinced?"
"What makes a person or an argument truly convincing?"
"Have you ever changed your mind completely after someone persuaded you?"
"What's a common way people try to persuade others in your culture?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you successfully persuaded someone. What did you say or do?
Write about a time you failed to persuade someone. Why do you think you failed?
Reflect on the ethics of persuasion. When does it become manipulation?
How important is persuasive ability in your career or personal life? Give examples.
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questions説得する means to persuade *someone else*, while 納得する means to be convinced or to understand something *yourself*. You 説得する someone, and they then 納得する.
No, 説得する implies an attempt or the act of persuading, but success is not guaranteed. You can try to 説得する someone, but they might not agree.
Yes, absolutely. Salespeople often try to 説得する customers.
説得力がある (settoku-ryoku ga aru) means 'to have persuasive power' or 'to be convincing'.
It's generally neutral to slightly formal. In very casual chats, simpler expressions might be used, but it's widely understood and used.
It means 'to be persuaded' or 'to be convinced'.
While there isn't one single direct antonym verb, concepts like 抵抗する (teikou suru - to resist) or 拒否する (kyohi suru - to refuse) represent opposition to persuasion.
Explaining (説明する - setsumei suru) is about conveying information. Persuading (説得する - settoku suru) is about using information, arguments, or appeals to change someone's mind or actions.
Test Yourself
I want to ______ my mom to buy me ice cream.
You want to convince your mom, so 'persuade' (説得する) is the correct verb.
Which sentence best describes 説得する?
説得する means to convince or persuade someone to agree with you.
説得する means to be convinced yourself.
False. 説得する is about persuading *others*. 納得する (nattoku suru) means to be convinced yourself.
Word
Meaning
Matching the Japanese terms with their English equivalents.
The correct sentence structure is 'Persuading him is difficult.'
The politician tried to ______ the voters with promises of change.
The politician is trying to convince voters, so 'persuade' is the correct word.
Which phrase best captures the nuance of 説得力がある?
説得力がある means having persuasive power or being convincing.
The verb 口説く (kudoku) can be used interchangeably with 説得する (settoku suru) in all contexts.
False. While both involve persuasion, 口説く often has specific connotations of romantic persuasion or recruitment.
The diplomat's skill lay in his ability to ______ the opposing party towards a peaceful resolution.
The context suggests a skillful effort to gain agreement, making 'persuade' the most appropriate choice.
The sentence means 'Being able to persuade skillfully is important.'
Score: /10
Summary
Mastering 説得する means learning to communicate effectively to influence others positively.
- 説得する (settoku suru) means to persuade or convince someone.
- It involves using arguments or appeals to change opinions or actions.
- It's a versatile verb used in many contexts, from daily life to business.
- Key related terms include 説得力 (persuasive power) and 納得する (to be convinced).
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a 'settler' (settoku) trying to convince a native tribe (suru) to move to new land by explaining its benefits. The settler is 'settling' the argument.
When Native Speakers Use It
Native speakers use 説得する when they need to convince someone about a decision, a plan, or a viewpoint, especially in discussions or negotiations. E.g., 'I tried to persuade my boss to give me a raise.'
Cultural Insight
In Japanese culture, direct confrontation is often avoided. Persuasion might be done more subtly or indirectly compared to some Western cultures, emphasizing harmony (和 - wa).
Grammar Shortcut
Remember that 説得する is a 'suru' verb. To make it past tense, just change する to した (shita). To make it polite, change する to します (shimasu).
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.
