invite · entice

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The on reading is ゆう, and the kun reading is さそう. It has 14 strokes and relates to inviting, enticing, or guiding.
• Basic usage: 誘う is read さそう, and 誘導 is read ゆうどう.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 誘う and 誘導
  • 誘う means invite or entice. It expresses inviting someone to join or something attracting a person or animal.
  • 同僚を昼食に誘った。 means “I invited my coworker to have lunch together.”
  • 誘導 means guidance or directing. It refers to guiding or directing people or movement toward a designated direction or place.
  • 係員が観客を非常口へ誘導した。 means “A staff member directed the audience toward the emergency exit.”