説得

• Reading: せっとく
• Romaji: settoku
• Kanji breakdown: 説 (setsu/toku) — explain, persuade; 得 (toku/e) — obtain, gain
• Pronunciation: /set.to.kɯ/

Meaning

Persuasion; convincing someone to accept a viewpoint or take a course of action. Implies sustained effort to change another's mind or behaviour.

A noun often used with する to form the verb 説得する (to persuade). Unlike 勧める (to recommend), 説得 implies overcoming resistance or scepticism. Frequently appears in business, negotiations, and interpersonal contexts where one party attempts to bring another around to their position.

Examples

1. 上司を説得して新しいプロジェクトを承認してもらった。 I persuaded my boss to approve the new project.
2. 彼女はなかなか説得に応じなかったが、最終的に折れた。 She was reluctant to be convinced for a long time, but eventually gave in.
3. 説得力のある根拠を示さなければ、委員会は動かないだろう。 Without presenting compelling grounds, the committee will not be moved.

Usage Guide

Context: business, negotiations, interpersonal relations

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 説 (setsu — to explain, to expound) and 得 (toku — to obtain, to persuade). Together they convey the act of explaining until the other party is won over.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal