言い寄る

• Reading: いいよる
• Romaji: iiyoru
• Kanji breakdown: 言 (gen/i) — say, word; 寄 (ki/yo) — draw near, approach
• Pronunciation: /iː.jo̞.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To make romantic advances; to court someone; to approach someone with declarations of affection.

A Group 1 (godan) verb meaning to approach someone romantically, to woo or pursue them. Conjugates as: 言い寄ら (negative), 言い寄り (masu stem), 言い寄る (dictionary form), 言い寄れ (imperative). Carries a slightly forward or persistent connotation — the person doing the 言い寄る is actively pursuing someone. Often used in narrative or literary contexts about romance and courtship.

Examples

1. 彼は会うたびに彼女に言い寄り、とうとう交際を申し込んだ。 He made advances to her every time they met, and eventually asked her out.
2. 初対面の相手に言い寄るのは、少し強引すぎると思う。 I think making romantic advances to someone you've just met is a bit too forward.
3. 複数の人から言い寄られて、彼女は返答に困っていた。 She was at a loss for how to respond, having been approached by several people at once.

Usage Guide

Context: romance, dating, relationships, literature

Tone: romantic, narrative

Origin & History

言い (to say, verbal action) + 寄る (to approach, draw near). The compound means 'to draw near with words' — approaching someone by speaking words of affection or romantic intent.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Young adult

Social background: General