How to say "stimulate" in Japanese

• そそる
  godan verb, transitive verbCovers the 'arouse' side of stimulate: exciting or stirring up interest, curiosity, or appetite rather than causing growth or action. Less common, and normally written in kana alone.
  彼女かのじょの話はなしは子供こどもたちの好奇心こうきしんをそそった。↗

  Her story excited curiosity in the children.
• 振り起こすふりおこす
  godan verb, transitive verbReally means 'stir up': rousing a person or their spirits and shaking them into action, rather than stimulating growth or interest. It is a less common rendering of 'stimulate'.
• 弾みをつけるはずみをつける
  expression, ichidan verbCovers the 'give a boost' side of stimulate: providing momentum that gets an activity or effort moving. A less common, phrase-like option, and not a general verb for stimulation.
• 促すうながすJLPT N1approx.Common
  godan verb, transitive verbThe usual choice when stimulate means making something like growth or development happen sooner or faster; it also covers hastening and accelerating. Being a common word, it is often the safest pick.
  この曲きょくは眠ねむりを促うながしてくれます。↗

  This music helps me to fall asleep.
• 突き動かすつきうごかす
  godan verb, transitive verbCovers the 'impel' sense: spurring a person to act, driving them forward. Less common, and it works on people rather than on growth or interest, so it seldom fits other senses of 'stimulate'.

Choose 「促す」 for stimulating growth or development, 「そそる」 for arousing interest or feelings, 「振り起こす」 for stirring someone up, 「突き動かす」 for impelling a person to act, and 「弾みをつける」 for giving something a boost.

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

• そそるto excite
• 振り起こすふりおこすto stir up
• 弾みをつけるはずみをつけるto provide momentum
• 促すうながすto stimulate (e.g. growth)
• 進めるすすめるto raise
• 突き動かすつきうごかすto spur (someone)
• 活を入れるかつをいれるto breathe life into
• 掻き立てるかきたてるto arouse (interest, feelings, etc.)
• 助けるたすけるto facilitate