勧誘

かんゆう

invitation, canvassing, inducement

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The word 勧誘 (かんゆう) refers to the act of inviting, soliciting, or encouraging someone to do something, often used in contexts like sales, club recruitment, or invitations. It carries a nuance of persuasion or inducement rather than a simple invitation.

Common Contexts

勧誘 is frequently used when talking about sales calls, recruitment for clubs or organizations, and invitations that involve some persuasion. It often appears in formal or semi-formal contexts.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 勧誘する: to solicit or invite someone actively.
  • 勧誘を断る: to refuse an invitation or solicitation.
  • 勧誘の電話: a solicitation phone call.

These collocations highlight the active nature of the invitation or solicitation.

Register and Politeness

勧誘 is a neutral to formal term. It is appropriate in business or official contexts. When refusing 勧誘, polite but clear language is recommended.

Common Learner Mistake

Learners sometimes confuse 勧誘 with simple invitations (招待). 勧誘 implies persuasion or inducement, often with a purpose like sales or recruitment, whereas 招待 is a straightforward invitation without pressure.

Example Sentences

かれはあたらしいしょうひんのこうにゅうをかんゆうするでんわをかけてきた。

He made a phone call to solicit the purchase of a new product.

かんゆうをことわるときは、はっきりとりゆうをつたえたほうがいい。

When refusing an invitation or solicitation, it's better to clearly state your reason.

だいがくのサークルのかんゆうがキャンパスでさかんにおこなわれている。

Club recruitment is actively taking place on campus at the university.