Japanese word

激励

Pronunciation

Romajigekirei

Meaning

  • nounencouragement

Example

友達の激励で、最後まで頑張れました。tomo dachi no geki rei de sai go ma de gan ba re ma shi ta

My friend's encouragement helped me keep going to the end.

Illustration for 激励 (encouragement)

More examples

先輩からの激励が、彼女の自信につながりました。sen pai ka ra no geki rei ga kano jo no ji shin ni tsu na ga ri ma shi ta

Encouragement from her senior helped build her confidence.

Core concept

It refers to support that strengthens someone's will to pursue a goal or overcome an obstacle.

Common phrases

  • 激励を受けるgeki rei o u ke ru

    receive encouragement

  • 激励の手紙geki rei no te gami

    a letter of encouragement

Similar words

励ましhagemashi: Words or actions that help someone persist in reaching a goal or dealing with a difficulty.
応援ōen: Support expressed through words, actions, or presence to help someone keep going.
鼓舞kobu: The act of stimulating someone's spirit so that the person is moved to act.

Definition in Japanese

目標に向かう人を励まして、やる気や勇気を起こさせること。moku hyō ni mu ka u hito o hage ma shi te ya ru ki ya yū ki o o ko sa se ru ko to

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese word 激励 (gekirei) joins 激 (geki, "intense") with 励 (rei, "encourage"), linking intensity with the act of urging someone onward.

Usage tips

  • The compound 激励会 (gekireikai) refers to a formal gathering held to encourage someone, showing that 激励 (gekirei) suits public and ceremonial settings.

Other meanings

  • cheeringnoun
  • urgingnoun

Opposites

  • 落胆rakutandiscouragementnoun

Related words

  • 激励するgekireisuruencourageverb

Word lists with this word