In 15 Seconds
- Feeling inspired or motivated by someone's actions or success.
- Commonly used in creative, professional, and personal growth contexts.
- A polite way to compliment someone's influence on you.
Meaning
This phrase describes the feeling of being inspired, motivated, or mentally 'jolted' by someone or something. It is that spark you feel when you see someone succeed and suddenly want to work harder yourself.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking to a friend who just ran a marathon
君の走りを見て、すごく刺激を受けたよ。私も運動を始めようかな。
Watching you run really inspired me. Maybe I'll start exercising too.
Feedback after a professional workshop
今日の講演会では、多くの刺激を受けました。ありがとうございました。
I received a lot of inspiration from today's lecture. Thank you very much.
Texting a friend about a new art exhibit
あの展示会、刺激強かったわ！明日から絵を描くわ。
That exhibit was so stimulating! I'm going to start painting tomorrow.
Cultural Background
It is common to use this to show respect to mentors.
Use it in interviews
It's a great way to answer 'Who is your role model?'
In 15 Seconds
- Feeling inspired or motivated by someone's actions or success.
- Commonly used in creative, professional, and personal growth contexts.
- A polite way to compliment someone's influence on you.
What It Means
Think of this as a mental wake-up call. You see someone doing something amazing. Suddenly, you feel a rush of energy. You want to improve yourself. It is more than just liking something. It is about being moved to action. It is the opposite of feeling bored or stagnant. You are 'receiving' a spark from the outside world.
How To Use It
The grammar is very simple. You use the particle に to show the source. For example, [Person] に刺激を受ける. You can also use it with events or things. [Movie] に刺激を受ける works perfectly too. If you want to sound more natural with friends, try 刺激をもらう. This implies you are grateful for the inspiration. It is a very positive thing to say to someone.
When To Use It
Use this after a great concert or a deep conversation. It is perfect for professional settings too. Tell your boss a seminar was stimulating. Use it when a friend starts a new hobby. It shows you are paying attention to their growth. It is great for art, sports, and business contexts. Basically, use it whenever your brain feels 'turned on' by something cool.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for purely physical sensations. If a soap makes your skin itchy, that is different. If a light is too bright, do not use this phrase. Also, avoid it for 'fun' excitement like a roller coaster. For that, use ワクワクする. Be careful with romantic contexts too. In English, 'stimulated' can sound a bit suggestive. In Japanese, it is mostly about motivation and creativity. Don't make it weird!
Cultural Background
Japanese culture highly values mutual growth. There is a concept called 切磋琢磨 (sessatukuma). It means polishing each other like stones. 刺激を受ける is the modern way to express this. It shows humility. You are admitting that someone else is impressive. It also shows you have a 'growth mindset.' Being easily inspired is seen as a very positive trait in Japan.
Common Variations
You will often hear 刺激的 (shigekiteki). This means 'stimulating' or 'exciting.' A 'stimulating person' is 刺激的な人. Another common one is いい刺激になった. This means 'It was a good stimulus for me.' You can also use 刺激を与える. This means you are the one doing the inspiring. If you want to be very casual, just say 刺激強っ！ (shigeki tsuyo!) when something is intense.
Usage Notes
This phrase is safe for all formality levels. Use `受ける` for neutral/formal situations and `もらう` for friends to sound more natural.
Use it in interviews
It's a great way to answer 'Who is your role model?'
Examples
6君の走りを見て、すごく刺激を受けたよ。私も運動を始めようかな。
Watching you run really inspired me. Maybe I'll start exercising too.
A classic use showing how someone's achievement sparks personal action.
今日の講演会では、多くの刺激を受けました。ありがとうございました。
I received a lot of inspiration from today's lecture. Thank you very much.
Standard polite Japanese for a professional setting.
あの展示会、刺激強かったわ！明日から絵を描くわ。
That exhibit was so stimulating! I'm going to start painting tomorrow.
Uses 'strong stimulus' to show high impact in a casual way.
弟が朝から勉強してるのを見て刺激を受けたから、とりあえず本を開いてみた。
I was inspired by seeing my brother studying since morning, so I at least opened a book.
Humorous because the 'inspiration' only led to the bare minimum effort.
先生の生き方には、いつも刺激を受けています。
I am always inspired by the way you live your life, Professor.
Shows long-term influence and deep respect.
彼がいい成績を出したので、いい刺激になりました。
He got great results, so it served as a good motivation for me.
Uses 'good stimulus' to describe healthy competition.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct verb.
彼の成功から大きな刺激を＿＿＿。
The standard collocation is 刺激を受ける.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
1 exercises彼の成功から大きな刺激を＿＿＿。
The standard collocation is 刺激を受ける.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsOnly if the food is 'stimulating' (spicy/exotic).
Related Phrases
やる気が出る
synonymTo get motivated
