Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Persuade" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "persuade", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
説得する
せっとくする (settokusuru)
B2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
説き伏せる
ときふせる (tokifuseru)
C1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "persuade" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 説得する and 説き伏せる.
In Japanese, 説得する (せっとくする (settokusuru)) is typically associated with "to persuade" (Syllabus Level: B2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR B2 vocabulary syllabus..
On the other hand, 説き伏せる (ときふせる (tokifuseru)) maps to "to persuade, convince" (Syllabus Level: C1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "persuade" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "説得する"
毎日、日本語を練習するために説得する。
Every day, I persuade to practice Japanese.
Bilingual Context for "説き伏せる"
毎日、日本語を練習するために説き伏せる。
Every day, I persuade, convince to practice Japanese.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "毎日、日本語を練習するために ＿＿＿ 。" (Meaning: "Every day, I persuade to practice Japanese.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "説得する" fits here because it means "to persuade" in the context of: "Every day, I persuade to practice Japanese.". "説き伏せる" represents "to persuade, convince".