How to say "encourage" in Japanese

• 勧めるすすめるJLPT N3approx.Common
  ichidan verb, transitive verbCovers 'encourage' in the sense of recommending or advising someone to do something you think is a good idea, as when encouraging a friend to see a doctor.
  私は貴方あなたが汽車きしゃで行いくことを勧すすめます。↗

  I recommend you to go by train.
• 励ますはげますJLPT N1approx.Common
  godan verb, transitive verbThe word for emotional encouragement: to give someone heart, cheer them on, or cheer them up — encouraging a friend who is discouraged or cheering a team on.
  その調子ちょうしで勉強べんきょうを続つづけなさいと先生せんせいが励はげましてくれた。↗

  My teacher encouraged me in my studies.
• 促すうながすJLPT N1approx.Common
  godan verb, transitive verbFor 'encourage,' this is the urging sense: its core meanings are to urge, press, and prompt, so the nuance is pressing a person toward action rather than lifting their spirits.
  彼かれは彼女かのじょに注意ちゅういして運転うんてんするようにと促うながした。↗

  He urged her to drive carefully.

Use 「励ます」 for emotional encouragement — cheering someone on or up; use 「勧める」 to encourage someone to do something by recommending it; use 「促す」 to encourage in the sense of urging or pressing them to act.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 勧めるすすめるto recommend (someone to do)
• 励ますはげますto encourage
• 促すうながすto urge
• 力づけるちからづけるto encourage (someone)
• 勇気づけるゆうきづけるto encourage
• 元気をつけるげんきをつけるto encourage
• 拍車をかけるはくしゃをかけるto spur (on)
• 拍車がかかるはくしゃがかかるto expedite
• 弾みをつけるはずみをつけるto provide momentum
• 鞭打つむちうつto whip
• 力をつけるちからをつけるto give (someone) strength
• 鞭をくれるむちをくれるto spur on
• 油を注ぐあぶらをそそぐto turn up
• 激するげきするto encourage
• 激すげきすto encourage