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How to Say "lure" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “lure” is “atracción” — use this word for a general feeling or quality of being drawn to something or someone, like an appeal or magnetism..

English → Spanish

atracción

nounA2general
Use this word for a general feeling or quality of being drawn to something or someone, like an appeal or magnetism.

Examples

Siento una gran atracción por su manera de pensar.

I feel a great attraction to the way she thinks.

tentación

nounA2general
Use this word when referring to something that is highly desirable and difficult to resist, often in a more personal or indulgent sense.

Examples

El chocolate en la mesa es una gran tentación.

The chocolate on the table is a great temptation.

atraer

ah-trah-EHR/a.tɾaˈeɾ/

verbB1general
Use this verb to describe the action of drawing or pulling someone or something towards you, often through charm or appeal.
A smiling child is reaching eagerly with wide, delighted eyes toward a brightly colored, appealing spinning top toy, showing desirability.

Examples

Su carisma atrae a mucha gente.

His charisma appeals to many people.

La nueva tienda atrajo a miles de compradores.

The new store lured in thousands of shoppers.

Esa profesión no me atrae en absoluto.

That profession doesn't interest me at all.

Figurative Use

When used figuratively, 'atraer' works like 'gustar' (to like) in reverse. The thing that appeals to you is the one doing the 'attracting.' Example: 'El libro me atrae' (The book attracts me/I'm interested in the book).

Confusing 'Traer' and 'Atraer'

Mistake: “Using 'traer' when you mean 'attract interest.'”

Correction: 'Traer' means 'to bring.' If you want to talk about appeal or charm, you must use 'atraer.' Example: 'La música atrae a los jóvenes' (The music appeals to young people).

atractivo

/ah-trahk-TEE-voh//a.tɾakˈti.βo/

nounB1general
Use this term for a specific feature or aspect that makes a place, thing, or person appealing or desirable, especially in a tourist or commercial context.
A large, brightly shining blue sapphire gemstone sitting prominently on a simple wooden pedestal, representing a feature that draws interest.

Examples

El principal atractivo turístico de la zona es el volcán.

The main tourist attraction of the area is the volcano.

Perdió su atractivo después del escándalo.

He lost his appeal after the scandal.

El bajo precio es el mayor atractivo de este producto.

The low price is the biggest draw of this product.

Always Masculine

When used as a noun meaning 'appeal' or 'attraction,' it is always masculine, regardless of the gender of the thing being discussed. Use 'el atractivo' or 'un atractivo'.

gancho

/GAHN-cho//ˈɡantʃo/

nounB2informal, marketing
Use this word specifically for a clever trick, gimmick, or feature designed to attract customers or attention, like a marketing hook.
A professional boxer wearing red gloves performing a powerful side punch.

Examples

Ese anuncio no tiene mucho gancho.

That advertisement doesn't have much of a hook (appeal).

El boxeador ganó la pelea con un gancho al hígado.

The boxer won the fight with a hook to the liver.

Abstract Use

When used for 'appeal,' it works just like 'charm' in English. You can say someone or something 'has' it (tiene gancho).

Nouns vs. Verbs and General Appeal vs. Specific Hook

Learners often confuse the nouns 'atracción' and 'atractivo'. Remember 'atracción' is more about the feeling of being drawn, while 'atractivo' is a specific feature that draws you. Also, don't use the marketing term 'gancho' for general appeal.

Related Translations

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