Translation guide
How to express being drawn in or tempted by something appealing in Japanese, from casual curiosity to strong temptation.
Expressing that someone is attracted or tempted by an offer, idea, or thing, often with a sense of being drawn in.
The most direct equivalent, meaning 'to be tempted' or 'seduced' by something desirable. Often used for moral or desire-based temptation.
甘いものの誘惑に負けてしまった。
I gave in to the temptation of sweets.
Describing being drawn into a physical location or event by something appealing.
Means 'to be lured into' a place or situation. Often implies a deliberate enticement.
怪しい店に誘い込まれた。
I was enticed into a suspicious shop.
Expressing romantic or sexual enticement by someone.
Means 'to be wooed' or 'seduced' verbally. Often used when someone is persistently charmed.
彼に口説かれて、ついデートに応じてしまった。
I was enticed by him and ended up agreeing to a date.
The English passive 'be enticed' does not always map to a single Japanese passive verb. Often, active expressions like 惹かれる (be attracted) or 釣られる (be hooked) are more natural. Using 誘惑される can sound overly dramatic or formal in casual contexts.
誘惑される implies a stronger, often moral temptation (e.g., giving in to desire), while 惹かれる is a milder, more general attraction. Use 惹かれる for interests, people, or ideas; use 誘惑される for temptations that feel hard to resist.
彼女は焼きたてのパンの香りに惹かれた。
She was enticed by the smell of fresh bread.
簡単に儲かる話に釣られてはいけない。
Don't be enticed by get-rich-quick schemes.
Means 'to be attracted to' or 'drawn to' something. Softer than 誘惑される, often used for interests or people.
彼の提案に惹かれた。
I was enticed by his proposal.
Literally 'to be hooked', like a fish. Used when someone is lured by an offer, bait, or someone else's action. Casual.
セールの広告に釣られて店に入った。
I was enticed by the sale ad and went into the store.
Means 'one's interest is drawn'. Used when something catches your attention and makes you curious.
その映画の予告編に気を引かれた。
I was enticed by the movie trailer.
Casual, often used for being enticed by something that stimulates appetite, curiosity, or desire. Can be slightly vulgar depending on context.
彼の話に興味をそそられた。
I was enticed by his story.
Stronger nuance of being 'lured' or 'decoyed', often with negative connotations like traps or scams.
甘い言葉におびき寄せられた。
I was enticed by sweet words.
Also used for sexual temptation. Can imply a moral struggle.
彼女の魅力に誘惑された。
I was enticed by her charm.