HSK · Level 60
105 words
Chinese word
激发
Pronunciation
Pinyinjī fā
Meaning
- verbmotivate
Example
新的工作挑战激发了她的动力。xīn de gōng zuò tiǎo zhàn jī fā le tā de dòng lì
The new job challenge motivated her.
More examples
教练的鼓励激发了他的潜力。jiào liàn de gǔ lì jī fā le tā de qián lì
The coach's encouragement brought out his potential.
Core concept
An outside stimulus unlocks an inner response, ability, or desire.
Common phrases
激发潜力jī fā qián lì
bring out potential
激发兴趣jī fā xìng qù
spark interest
激发热情jī fā rè qíng
inspire enthusiasm
激发灵感jī fā líng gǎn
spark inspiration
Similar words
激励jī lì: Encourages continued effort by strengthening the will to act.
唤起huàn qǐ: Awakens a feeling or interest already present inside.
引发yǐn fā: Causes a reaction or result to occur.
刺激cì jī: Strongly affects the senses or feelings and causes a response.
Definition in Chinese
使潜在的感情、能力或欲望显露出来或得到加强。shǐ qián zài de gǎn qíng néng lì huò yù wàng xiǎn lù chū lái huò dé dào jiā qiáng
Word origin
激 (jī, "to stimulate strongly") + 发 (fā, "to send out") creates the image of a strong influence releasing what was held inside.
Usage tips
- Chinese often uses the passive when the newly awakened ability or feeling matters more than its source, especially in descriptions of creativity, talent, or enthusiasm.