誘

By extension, it can mean to guide gently by words or influence, or to tempt — depending on moral context.

In classical Chinese, 誘 often carried a neutral or positive connotation (“to lead by persuasion”), but in later vernacular use it could imply deception or seduction.

Phono-semantic compound consisting of:

言 (말씀 언) — semantic component, indicating speech, persuasion, or verbal action.

秀 (빼어날 수) — phonetic component, giving the sound yòu / yu and the sense of excellence, flourishing, or drawing attention.

Thus the character originally signified “to lead by words” — to attract or guide someone through speech, example, or persuasion.

Shuowen Jiezi (說文解字) explains:

「誘，曉也。从言，秀聲。」

“誘 means to enlighten or guide; composed of 言 (‘speech’) and the sound 秀.”

Hence, the earliest meaning of 誘 was didactic or instructive persuasion, rather than deceit.

誘惑 (유혹) — temptation, seduction

誘引 (유인) — enticement, attraction

誘導 (유도) — guidance, leading or inducing

誘發 (유발) — to trigger, to bring about

誘致 (유치) — to attract or invite (investment, conflict, etc.)

誘拐 (유괴) — abduction, kidnapping

誘殺 (유살) — to lure and kill

誘掖 (유액) — to instruct and assist (ancient phrase for moral guidance)

The Kangxi Dictionary (康熙字典) records:

「誘，引也、曉也。」

“誘 means to draw or lead; also to instruct or enlighten.”

Thus, its semantic field spans from gentle instruction (Confucian, Daoist) to psychological persuasion or seduction (literary and modern usage).

In the Confucian worldview, 誘 embodies the power of speech to lead others toward the Way (道).

To “誘之以德” — to lead by virtue — is the opposite of manipulation; it is persuasion aligned with righteousness.

In early Confucian texts, 誘 often appears in the context of moral instruction and gentle persuasion, as in:

「以德誘民，不以刑。」 (禮記·表記)

“Lead the people by virtue, not by punishment.”

Here 誘 denotes educational guidance rather than temptation — the act of leading others toward goodness through speech and example.

In classical moral discourse, 誘 often pairs with 導 (to guide) — both expressing leadership through influence rather than force:

「導之以德，齊之以禮，有恥且格。」 (Analects 2:3)

“Guide them by virtue, keep them orderly through propriety — they will develop a sense of shame and become good.”

Here 誘 and 導 share a pedagogical resonance — moral suasion through benevolence.

In contrast, later Buddhist and Legalist texts use 誘 to describe mental or emotional influence, whether wholesome (as in “誘化衆生,” guiding sentient beings) or deceptive (“邪誘,” false persuasion).

In later vernacular and literary Chinese (and in modern Korean and Japanese usage), 誘 acquired the ambivalent tone of temptation or seduction, as seen in 誘惑 (temptation) and 色誘 (enticement by beauty).

Thus, 誘 encapsulates the dual nature of influence — words can either guide to wisdom or mislead to ruin.

誘 is a phono-semantic compound (言 + 秀) meaning “to lead or entice through words.”

In early texts it signified gentle persuasion and instruction, while later usage extended to temptation and emotional seduction.

From Confucian virtue to psychological influence, 誘 stands as a reminder of the power of speech to shape the hearts of others — for good or for ill.