To win someone over through persistent and forceful verbal argument.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To persuade someone despite their initial opposition.
- Implies overcoming resistance through strong logical arguments.
- Used in situations requiring negotiation or debate.
概要
「説き伏せる」は、反対意見を持つ相手に対して、言葉を尽くして論理的に説明したり、熱心に訴えかけたりすることで、最終的に相手を自分の意見に従わせる、あるいは納得させることを指します。単なる「説得」よりも、相手の抵抗を打ち破って同意を得るという強い意志や努力が感じられる言葉です。
類語との比較
「納得させる」は相手が理解して受け入れることに焦点を当てますが、「説き伏せる」は相手が反対している状態から無理やりにでも同意を引き出すという対立構造が前提にあります。「丸め込む」は、相手をうまく言いくるめて、ある方向に誘導するという少しネガティブなニュアンスが含まれる場合があります。
Examples
彼は反対する反対派を一人ずつ説き伏せた。
everydayHe persuaded the opposing members one by one.
厳しい交渉の末、ようやく相手を説き伏せることができた。
formalAfter tough negotiations, I was finally able to win them over.
そんな強引に説き伏せようとしても無理だよ。
informalIt's no use trying to force them to agree like that.
理論武装して、相手の矛盾を突いて説き伏せる。
academicI will arm myself with logic, point out their contradictions, and persuade them.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
何とか説き伏せる
Manage to persuade
説き伏せることができない
Cannot persuade
Often Confused With
A neutral term for persuasion. It does not necessarily imply that the other person was strongly opposed or that you had to 'defeat' their logic.
Implies using clever or deceptive speech to trap someone into agreeing. It carries a more negative, manipulative connotation than '説き伏せる'.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use this word when you want to highlight the difficulty of the persuasion process. It is generally transitive and focuses on the result of changing someone's mind through argument. Avoid using it in casual situations where 'persuade' might sound too aggressive.
Common Mistakes
Do not use '説き伏せる' if the other person agreed easily. It is only for when there is clear resistance. Also, avoid using it as a synonym for 'explaining' (説明する), as it specifically involves a conflict of opinion.
Tips
Use when overcoming strong resistance
Reserve this word for situations where the other party is initially very stubborn. It emphasizes the effort required to change their mind.
Avoid using with superiors
Because it implies 'winning' an argument, it may sound disrespectful if used to describe overcoming a superior's opinion.
The value of harmony in Japan
In Japanese culture, avoiding direct confrontation is often preferred. Using this word implies a level of intensity that stands out against the norm of indirect communication.
Word Origin
Derived from 'toku' (to explain/persuade) and 'fuseru' (to lay down/subdue). It literally means to subdue someone through explanation.
Cultural Context
In Japan, high-context communication is common. Using '説き伏せる' suggests that the speaker has moved away from 'wa' (harmony) to achieve a goal, which is sometimes viewed as a necessary evil in professional settings.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Toki' (talk/explain) + 'Fuseru' (to lay down/submit). You are talking them down to the ground until they submit.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「説得する」は中立的で、相手を納得させようと努める広い意味を持ちます。「説き伏せる」は相手が反対していることを前提とし、それを打ち負かして同意させるという強いニュアンスがあります。
必ずしもネガティブではありませんが、相手の意見を押し切るというニュアンスがあるため、強引な印象を与えることがあります。使う相手や状況に注意が必要です。
大丈夫ですが、「説き伏せる」は少し力強い表現なので、上司や顧客に対して使う際は「説得する」の方が無難な場合もあります。文脈に応じて使い分けましょう。
「説き伏せることができない」「聞き入れない」「頑として譲らない」などの表現を使うのが自然です。
Test Yourself
彼は頑固な父を何とか___、留学の許可を得た。
反対している相手を自分の意見に従わせる文脈なので、「説き伏せて」が適切です。
Score: /1
Summary
To win someone over through persistent and forceful verbal argument.
- To persuade someone despite their initial opposition.
- Implies overcoming resistance through strong logical arguments.
- Used in situations requiring negotiation or debate.
Use when overcoming strong resistance
Reserve this word for situations where the other party is initially very stubborn. It emphasizes the effort required to change their mind.
Avoid using with superiors
Because it implies 'winning' an argument, it may sound disrespectful if used to describe overcoming a superior's opinion.
The value of harmony in Japan
In Japanese culture, avoiding direct confrontation is often preferred. Using this word implies a level of intensity that stands out against the norm of indirect communication.
Examples
4 of 4彼は反対する反対派を一人ずつ説き伏せた。
He persuaded the opposing members one by one.
厳しい交渉の末、ようやく相手を説き伏せることができた。
After tough negotiations, I was finally able to win them over.
そんな強引に説き伏せようとしても無理だよ。
It's no use trying to force them to agree like that.
理論武装して、相手の矛盾を突いて説き伏せる。
I will arm myself with logic, point out their contradictions, and persuade them.
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B1Vaguely; absentmindedly; dimly.
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受け止める
B1To accept; to take; to grasp.
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B1Sense of accomplishment.
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感心
B1Admiration, impression, or being impressed.
感心する
B1To be impressed; to admire.
