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道Nihongo Path
誘

誘·invite, entice, tempt, induce

On-yomi
ユウ
Kun-yomi
さそ(う)

By Nihongo PathUpdated

Stroke order

Write it in this order; the numbers mark where each stroke starts.

Common words

WordReadingMeaning
誘うさそうto invite, to ask (someone) out
勧誘かんゆうsolicitation, canvassing
誘惑ゆうわくtemptation
誘導ゆうどうguidance, leading (someone somewhere)

Example sentences

  1. 友達を映画に誘った。

    ともだちをえいがにさそった。

    I asked a friend out to a movie.

  2. 電話の勧誘が多くて困っている。

    でんわのかんゆうがおおくてこまっている。

    I get so many sales calls that it is becoming a nuisance.

  3. 係員が客を出口へ誘導した。

    かかりいんがきゃくをでぐちへゆうどうした。

    The staff guided the customers to the exit.

Similar-looking kanji

Do not confuse these on the exam.

Common mistakes

  • 誘い (さそい) is an invitation to do something together; 招待 (しょうたい) is a formal invitation to an event
  • いざなう is literary and rare — everyday Japanese uses さそう

Memory aid

Picture it

言 (words) beside 秀 (outstanding): attractive words used to draw someone along.

Vocabulary using this kanji

Quick check

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What does the kanji 誘 mean?