Translation guide
The English verb "tempt" covers a range of meanings from enticing someone to do something (often unwise) to testing someone's resolve. Japanese expresses these ideas through different verbs and phrases depending on the nuance.
To make someone want to do something, especially something they should not do, by making it seem attractive.
The most direct equivalent for 'tempt' in the sense of enticing someone into wrongdoing or indulgence. Often used for temptations like food, spending, or moral lapses.
彼は甘い言葉で彼女を誘惑した。
He tempted her with sweet words.
ダイエット中なのに、ケーキに誘惑された。
Even though I'm on a diet, I was tempted by the cake.
A very common and natural way to express being tempted to do something. Literally 'become wanting to do ~'. Used for everyday temptations.
新しいスマホを見ると、すぐ買いたくなる。
When I see a new smartphone, I'm tempted to buy it right away.
彼の話を聞いて、旅行に行きたくなった。
After hearing his story, I was tempted to go on a trip.
To make someone feel like doing something, often used when someone or something arouses a desire or inclination.
彼の熱意が私を勉強する気にさせた。
His enthusiasm tempted me to study.
To tempt or entice someone into doing something bad or wrong, often with a nuance of instigation or persuasion. Stronger and more negative than 誘惑する.
友達にそそのかされて、万引きをしてしまった。
Tempted by my friend, I ended up shoplifting.
To challenge or test someone's self-control, luck, or destiny, often by doing something risky.
Literally 'test fate'. Used when someone does something risky to see what will happen, similar to 'tempt fate'.
彼はわざと締め切りを破って、運命を試した。
He deliberately missed the deadline, tempting fate.
Literally 'test God'. Used in religious or dramatic contexts for 'tempt God'.
そんなことをするのは神を試すようなものだ。
Doing that is like tempting God.
To describe something that attracts or appeals strongly, often making someone want to have or do it.
Used when something stimulates a desire or appetite. Common with food, curiosity, etc. Often in the form 食欲をそそる (whet one's appetite).
その香りが食欲をそそった。
The aroma tempted my appetite.
彼の言葉が好奇心をそそった。
His words tempted my curiosity.
Simply means 'attractive' or 'tempting'. A general way to say something is appealing.
その提案はとても魅力的だ。
The offer is very tempting.
While 誘惑する is the dictionary translation, it often sounds too strong or formal for everyday temptations. For casual situations, ～したくなる or そそる are more natural.
誘惑する is a general term for tempting, often with a nuance of seduction or allure. そそのかす implies actively persuading someone to do something bad, and is more negative.
ケーキを全部食べたくなる。
I'm tempted to eat the whole cake.
チョコレートで誘惑しないで。
Don't tempt me with chocolate.