1.
touting; soliciting customers on the street
The act of approaching people on the street to invite them into a shop, restaurant, or establishment.
客引きは禁止されている。
Touting is prohibited.
駅前で居酒屋の客引きをしている人がいた。
There was someone touting for an izakaya in front of the station.
しつこい客引きに困った経験がある。
I have had the experience of being bothered by persistent touting.
2.
tout; solicitor; barker
A person who stands outside a business and tries to attract customers by calling out to passersby. Common in entertainment districts.
客引きに声をかけられた。
I was approached by a tout.
繁華街には客引きが多い。
There are many touts in the entertainment district.
客引きの誘いには乗らないほうがいいと地元の人に言われた。
A local told me it's better not to follow the touts' invitations.
USAGE:
客引き combines 客 (customer) and 引き (pulling). It can refer to either the act of soliciting or the person doing it. 客引きをする means to tout or solicit. In many Japanese cities, aggressive touting is regulated or banned by local ordinances.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 客引きをする (to tout, to solicit customers)
- 客引き禁止 (touting prohibited)
- 客引きに声をかけられる (to be approached by a tout)
- しつこい客引き (persistent touting)
SIMILAR WORDS:
呼び込み refers to barkers calling out to attract customers, often at markets or street stalls. 客引き has a more negative connotation and is associated with nightlife districts.