Japanese word

促す

Pronunciation

Romajiunagasu

Meaning

  • verbencourage

Example

先生は生徒に発言を促します。sen sei wa sei to ni hatsu gen o unaga shi ma su

The teacher encourages the students to speak.

Illustration for 促す (encourage)

More examples

この案内は利用者に早めの申し込みを促します。ko no an nai wa ri yō sha ni haya me no mō shi ko mi o unaga shi ma su

This notice encourages users to apply early.

Core concept

It conveys an influence that moves someone toward an action without necessarily making that action compulsory.

Common phrases

  • 注意を促すchū i o unaga su

    urge caution

  • 行動を促すkō dō o unaga su

    prompt action

  • 参加を促すsan ka o unaga su

    encourage participation

  • 発言を促すhatsu gen o unaga su

    encourage a response

Similar words

勧めるsusumeru: To urge someone to do something or choose something.
励ますhagemasu: To give someone support and confidence to act.
急かすsekasu: To urge someone to act more quickly.

Definition in Japanese

相手がある行動をするように働きかける。ai te ga a ru kō dō o su ru yō ni hatara ki ka ke ru

Word origin

促す (unagasu) is a native Japanese verb whose older form is attested as unagasu; the spoken origin is uncertain, while 促 (soku, "urge") supplies the meaning-based kanji spelling.

Usage tips

  • In Japanese, 促す (unagasu) can describe a sign, policy, or situation prompting action, so it does not necessarily express the warm personal support often associated with "encourage."

Other meanings

  • promptverb
  • urgeverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word