Japanese word

意欲

Pronunciation

Romajiiyoku

Meaning

  • nounmotivation

Example

新しいことを学ぶ意欲があります。atara shi i ko to o mana bu i yoku ga a ri ma su

I am motivated to learn new things.

Illustration for 意欲 (motivation)

More examples

彼は仕事への意欲を失っていません。kare wa shi goto e no i yoku o ushina tte i ma se n

He has not lost his motivation for work.

Core concept

Expresses the inner drive that makes someone ready to begin and continue an activity.

Common phrases

  • 意欲を持つi yoku o mo tsu

    have motivation

  • 意欲が湧くi yoku ga wa ku

    feel motivated

  • 意欲を示すi yoku o shime su

    show motivation

  • 意欲を高めるi yoku o taka me ru

    boost motivation

Similar words

やる気yaruki: A casual expression for the willingness and energy to do something.
熱意netsui: Strong feeling and energy devoted to an activity or goal.
意気込みikikomi: Strong determination and enthusiasm before undertaking an activity.

Definition in Japanese

物事に進んで取り組もうとする気持ち。mono goto ni susu n de to ri ku mō to su ru ki mo chi

Word origin

意 (i, "meaning") + 欲 (yoku, "desire") forms 意欲 (iyoku, "motivation"), combining a mental sense with a desire to act.

Usage tips

  • The English word motivation can name a reason for an action, whereas 意欲 (iyoku) usually highlights a person's active desire to do it.

Other meanings

  • eagernessnoun
  • willingnessnoun

Opposites

  • 無気力mukiryokuapathynoun

Related words

  • 意欲的iyokutekimotivatedna-adjective

Word lists with this word