Translation guide
To urge or encourage someone to do something, often something unwise or risky.
The speaker wants to express that someone is being encouraged or pushed to do something, typically something foolish, risky, or wrong.
The most direct equivalent, meaning to incite or egg someone on. Often used when someone is being urged to do something bad or aggressive.
The speaker wants to express light-hearted urging, like cheering someone on to do something fun or slightly daring.
Literally 'push someone's back', meaning to give a supportive nudge or encouragement. It can be used positively, unlike the more negative 'egg on'.
友達が背中を押してくれて、ついに告白できた。
My friend egged me on, and I finally confessed my feelings.
The English 'egg on' often implies urging someone to do something foolish or wrong. In Japanese, けしかける and そそのかす carry this negative nuance strongly. 背中を押す is more positive and supportive, so use it carefully.
彼をけしかけて喧嘩させた。
They egged him on to start a fight.
友達が彼をけしかけて、先生に口答えさせた。
His friends egged him on to talk back to the teacher.
To tempt or entice someone into doing something, often with a nuance of seduction or manipulation.
彼は仲間にそそのかされて、万引きをした。
He was egged on by his peers to shoplift.
To fan the flames, stir up, or incite. Often used for whipping up excitement or aggression, like egging someone on in a fight or competition.
観客が選手をあおって、もっと激しく戦わせた。
The crowd egged the players on, making them fight harder.
To flatter or coax someone into doing something. It implies using praise to manipulate, similar to egging on through compliments.
彼女は彼をおだてて、高いプレゼントを買わせた。
She egged him on with flattery to buy an expensive gift.
To urge or prompt someone to do something. More neutral and formal, often used in written or polite contexts.
上司が彼に発言を促した。
The boss egged him on to speak up.