仕向ける

• Reading: しむける
• Romaji: shimukeru
• Kanji breakdown: 仕 (shi) — to do, to serve; 向 (kō/mukeru) — to turn toward, to direct
• Pronunciation: /ɕi.mɯ.ke.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To direct; to urge toward; to induce; to manoeuvre someone into doing something.

A Group 2 (ichidan) compound verb from 仕 (to do) and 向ける (to direct, to turn toward). It describes deliberately steering someone or something toward a particular outcome or action. The nuance is often subtle coercion or calculated guidance — not forcing directly, but arranging circumstances so the other party acts as desired. Frequently implies manipulation or managerial persuasion.

Examples

1. 上司は彼を昇進試験に向けて準備するよう仕向けた。 The manager manoeuvred him into preparing for the promotion examination.
2. 詐欺師は被害者を自ら電話させるように巧みに仕向けた。 The fraudster cleverly manoeuvred the victim into making the call themselves.
3. 会社は社員が自発的に残業するよう仕向ける雰囲気があった。 The company had an atmosphere that manoeuvred employees into working overtime of their own accord.

Usage Guide

Context: management, deception, social engineering, workplace

Tone: manipulative

Origin & History

Compound of 仕 (performing prefix) and 向ける (to turn or direct toward, from 向 meaning direction). The combination suggests orchestrating a situation so that another party moves in a desired direction without being openly forced.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: General