How to say "inspire" in Japanese
- suru verb, transitive verbCovers 'inspire' as a direct loanword, often for artistic or intellectual inspiration. Because it is less common, learners will more often want 動かす in ordinary sentences.
- 奮激ふんげきnoun, suru verbMeans to rouse or stir someone, inspiring them to vigorous action or heightened feeling. It is less common and suits contexts of strongly encouraging or spurring people on rather than everyday inspiration.
- 動かすうごかすgodan verb, transitive verbThe common, versatile choice for 'inspire' in the sense of moving someone's feelings or rousing them to act. Use this when a person's heart, emotions, or will is inspired or influenced.
For 'inspire a feeling or action' 「動かす」 is the everyday choice; 奮激 suits rousing someone strongly to action; 「インスパイア」 is a loanword matching English 'inspire' directly but is less common.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
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