Meaning
to urge; to prompt; to encourage; to stimulate; to hasten
Nuance & Usage
促す means to nudge, prompt, or urge someone toward an action — often with a sense of gentle but firm encouragement. 行動を促す (to prompt action), 注意を促す (to call attention to), 反省を促す (to encourage reflection), 成長を促す (to stimulate growth) are typical uses. In formal writing and news, 促す appears frequently. Unlike 強制する (kyousei suru — to force/compel), 促す leaves room for the person to act willingly. It can also describe non-human subjects: 春は植物の成長を促す (Spring promotes plant growth).
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 促す with 勧める (susumeru — to recommend/encourage, more personal), 求める (motomeru — to demand/request), and 催促する (saisoku suru — to press/urge repeatedly, implies impatience). 促す is more formal and encompasses both encouragement and gentle pressure. The pattern 〜するよう促す (to urge someone to do ~) is the most common structure. Don't confuse 促す with 急がせる (isogareru — to rush/hurry someone) which has a more impatient tone.
Example Sentences
医師は患者に早期の検査を受けるよう促した。
いしはかんじゃにそうきのけんさをうけるよううながした。
The doctor urged the patient to get an early examination.
先生は生徒たちに積極的な発言を促した。
せんせいはせいとたちにせっきょくてきなはつげんをうながした。
The teacher encouraged the students to speak up actively.
政府は経済の活性化のため、消費を促す政策を導入した。
せいふはけいざいのかっせいかのため、しょうひをうながすせいさくをどうにゅうした。
The government introduced policies to stimulate consumption for economic revitalization.
Quick Quiz
N14 questionsTest your knowledge of 促す with 4 different question types.
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