Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Tempt" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "tempt", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
唆す
そそのかす (sosonokasu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
唆る
そそのかす (sosonokasu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "tempt" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 唆す and 唆る.
In Japanese, 唆す (そそのかす (sosonokasu)) is typically associated with "to tempt, to instigate, to entice, to incite, to egg on" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often used negatively, implying urging someone to do something wrong, mischievous, or illegal, by appealing to their desires or weaknesses..
On the other hand, 唆る (そそのかす (sosonokasu)) maps to "to tempt, to instigate, to incite, to lure" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 主に、よくないことや危険なことをするように、人に勧める、誘いかけるという意味で使われます。必ずしも悪い意味だけではありませんが、多くはネガティブな文脈です。. A literal translation of "tempt" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "唆す"
友人を唆して悪事を働かせた。
He instigated his friend to commit a misdeed.
Bilingual Context for "唆る"
彼は友人を唆して、万引きをさせた。
He instigated his friend to shoplift.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "友人を唆して悪事を働かせた。" (Meaning: "He instigated his friend to commit a misdeed.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "唆す" fits here because it means "to tempt, to instigate, to entice, to incite, to egg on" in the context of: "He instigated his friend to commit a misdeed.". "唆る" represents "to tempt, to instigate, to incite, to lure".