Japanese word

励み

Pronunciation

Romajihagemi

Meaning

  • nounmotivation

Example

家族の笑顔が毎日の励みです。ka zoku no e gao ga mai nichi no hage mi de su

My family's smiles are my daily motivation.

Illustration for 励み (motivation)

More examples

小さな進歩でも、次の挑戦への励みになります。chii sa na shin po de mo tsugi no chō sen e no hage mi ni na ri ma su

Even small progress can serve as motivation for taking on the next challenge.

Core concept

Describes a source of inner drive that helps a person continue making an effort.

Common phrases

  • 励みになるhage mi ni na ru

    serve as motivation

  • 励みにするhage mi ni su ru

    use as motivation

  • 何よりの励みnan yo ri no hage mi

    the greatest encouragement

Similar words

励ましhagemashi: Words or actions that give someone confidence and encourage continued effort.
支えsasae: Emotional or practical support that helps someone endure difficulty and keep going.
原動力gendōryoku: A force or reason that drives a person to act or continue working.

Definition in Japanese

努力を続ける支えとなり、意欲を起こさせるもの。do ryoku o tsuzu ke ru sasa e to na ri i yoku o o ko sa se ru mo no

Word origin

The noun 励み (hagemi, "motivation") is the noun form of 励む (hagemu, "to strive"), with the verb's effort becoming a source of continued action.

Usage tips

  • The common pattern 励みになる (hagemi ni naru, "to become a source of motivation") presents praise, support, or a goal as something that sustains continued effort.

Other meanings

  • encouragementnoun
  • incentivenoun

Opposites

  • 気落ちkiochidiscouragementnoun

Related words

Word lists with this word