How to say "inspiration" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- nounThe loanword, and usually the closest match: a sudden idea or creative spark that comes to you, as in art, writing, or design. It also covers the general sense of being inspired.
- 霊感れいかんnounGlossed as inspiration in the sense of divine afflatus, but the word chiefly means psychic sensitivity to spirits and the supernatural, so it is seldom what you want for everyday inspiration.
- 感激かんげきnoun, suru verb, intransitive verbCovers inspiration as the deep emotion of being moved or stirred by something, such as a performance or a person's deeds; it is about strong feeling, not the arrival of a creative idea.
- 鼓舞こぶnoun, suru verb, transitive verbInspiration in the sense of rousing or encouraging people: lifting someone's spirits, courage, or morale so they act with energy. Typical contexts are speeches or news that heartens a group.
- 感化かんかnoun, suru verb, transitive verbInspiration as a formative influence on someone: a person or example that shapes another's character or outlook. It is about being influenced, not about a sudden creative spark.
Use 「インスピレーション」 for creative sparks and ideas, 感激 for being deeply moved, 鼓舞 for rousing or encouraging others, 感化 for formative influence on someone, and 霊感 mainly for psychic sensitivity rather than everyday inspiration.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
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