Japanese word

励ます

Pronunciation

Romajihagemasu

Meaning

  • verbencourage

Example

友達を励まします。tomo dachi o hage ma shi ma su

I encourage my friend.

Illustration for 励ます (encourage)

More examples

テストの前に友だちを励まします。te su to no mae ni tomo da chi o hage ma shi ma su

I encourage my friend before the test.

不安なときは、好きな音楽を聞いて自分を励まします。fu an na to ki wa su ki na on gaku o ki i te ji bun o hage ma shi ma su

When I feel anxious, I listen to my favorite music to encourage myself.

Core concept

It describes giving someone the confidence or courage to continue or make an effort.

Common phrases

  • 自分を励ますji bun o hage ma su

    encourage yourself

  • 選手を励ますsen shu o hage ma su

    encourage a player

  • 励ます言葉hage ma su koto ba

    encouraging words

Similar words

勇気づけるyūkizukeru: To give someone courage and confidence in a difficult situation.
元気づけるgenkizukeru: To make someone feel more cheerful or hopeful when feeling low.
応援するōensuru: To support a person or team in reaching a goal.

Definition in Japanese

相手に自信や勇気を持たせるように働きかける。ai te ni ji shin ya yū ki o mo ta se ru yō ni hatara ki ka ke ru

Word origin

The native verb 励ます (hagemasu) is formed from 励む (hagemu, "to strive") with a causative ending, linking encouragement with renewed effort.

Usage tips

  • In everyday Japanese, 励ます (hagemasu) commonly supports a person through difficulty, whereas cheering for a team is usually expressed with 応援する (ōen suru).

Other meanings

  • cheer upverb
  • cheer onverb

Opposites

  • くじくkujikudiscourageverb

Related words

  • 励ましhagemashiencouragementnoun

Word lists with this word