促す

• Reading: うながす
• Romaji: unagasu
• Kanji breakdown: 促 (soku/unaga) — to urge, to press, to hasten
• Pronunciation: /ɯ.na.ɡa.sɯ/

Meaning

To urge; to encourage; to prompt. Used for pushing someone toward action or drawing attention.

A Group 1 (godan) verb conjugated with the す row. Used when encouraging or pushing someone to take action, often politely. Can also mean to hasten or accelerate a process. Related to 促進 (promotion/acceleration). Common in business, healthcare, and daily situations where nudging is needed.

Examples

1. 医者は患者に禁煙を促した。 The doctor urged the patient to quit smoking.
2. 注意を促すために看板が置いてある。 A sign has been placed there to draw people's attention.
3. 上司が部下に早く報告するよう促した。 The boss urged his subordinate to submit the report quickly.

Usage Guide

Context: business, healthcare, daily life

Tone: encouraging

Origin & History

The kanji 促 combines 亻 (person) and 足 (foot/enough), suggesting urging a person to move their feet — to press forward.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal