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B1 noun #2,500 most common 7 min read

励まし

hagemashi
At the A1 level, you can think of '励まし' (hagemashi) as a 'good word' or 'help word.' When you are sad or tired, and your friend says 'Ganbare!' (Do your best!), that is 'hagemashi.' It is a noun. You can say 'hagemashi no kotoba' to mean 'kind words.' It is a happy word that makes people feel strong. In simple Japanese, it is like 'giving power with words.' You use it when you want to say thank you to someone who helped you feel better. For example, 'Thank you for your hagemashi.' It is a very important word for making friends in Japan because everyone likes to be encouraged.
At the A2 level, you should recognize '励まし' as the noun form of the verb 'hagemasu' (to encourage). You will see it used with the particle 'no' to describe things, like '励ましの手紙' (hagemashi no tegami - an encouraging letter). You can use it to describe the support you get from your family or teachers. It's different from 'ouen' (cheering) because 'hagemashi' is often about the words someone says to you when you are having a hard time. If you are studying hard for the JLPT and your teacher says 'You can do it!', that is 'hagemashi.' You can say '励ましをもらいました' (I received encouragement).
At the B1 level, you understand that '励まし' is a key concept in Japanese social interactions. It is often used in the context of overcoming challenges. You should be able to use it in sentences like '励ましのおかげで頑張れました' (Thanks to the encouragement, I was able to do my best). You also start to see the difference between '励まし' (encouragement) and '慰め' (consolation). '励まし' is what you give to someone to help them move forward. It is common in work situations, sports, and school. You might hear it in phrases like '温かい励まし' (warm encouragement) in formal speeches or letters of thanks.
At the B2 level, you can use '励まし' to discuss more complex social dynamics. You understand its role in 'Wa' (harmony) and how providing '励まし' is a social responsibility in many Japanese groups. You can use it as a direct object in more advanced structures, such as '励ましを糧にする' (to use encouragement as food/motivation for growth). You also recognize more formal synonyms like '激励' (gekirei) and know when to use '励まし' instead. You can describe the psychological effect of '励まし' on a person's performance or mental health. You are comfortable using it in both written and spoken Japanese with appropriate honorifics if necessary.
At the C1 level, you have a nuanced understanding of '励まし' as a rhetorical and psychological tool. You can analyze how '励まし' is used in literature or political speeches to mobilize people. You understand the subtle boundaries between '励まし,' '鼓舞' (inspiration), and '叱咤激励' (scolding and encouraging). You can use the word in abstract discussions about human resilience and the importance of social support systems. Your usage includes sophisticated collocations and you can accurately interpret the emotional weight behind the word in various registers, from intimate personal letters to formal public addresses.
At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of '励まし,' including its etymological roots and its place in the history of Japanese thought. You can discuss the concept of '励まし' in the context of Japanese psychology, such as its relation to 'Amae' or 'Gaman.' You can use the term with absolute precision in academic writing or high-level professional negotiations. You understand how the absence or presence of '励まし' can define the climate of an entire organization or community. You can also play with the word in creative writing, using it to evoke specific cultural nuances of support and perseverance that are unique to the Japanese experience.
Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

励まし in 30 Seconds

  • 励まし (hagemashi) is a Japanese noun meaning 'encouragement' or 'support,' used to boost someone's morale during challenges.
  • It is derived from the verb 'hagemasu' and is commonly used in phrases like '励ましの言葉' (words of encouragement).
  • Unlike 'nagusame' (consolation), which looks back at failure, 'hagemashi' looks forward to future success and continued effort.
  • It is a versatile word used in sports, education, business, and personal relationships to acknowledge and support someone's struggle.

The Japanese noun 励まし (hagemashi) is a deeply resonant term that translates primarily to 'encouragement,' 'support,' or 'cheering up.' It originates from the verb 励ます (hagemasu), which means to encourage or to raise someone's spirits. In the Japanese social fabric, 励まし is not just a casual 'good luck'; it represents a proactive emotional investment in another person's success or recovery. It is the act of providing the psychological fuel necessary for someone to persevere through hardship, study for a difficult exam, or continue training for a marathon. Unlike mere observation, 励まし implies a connection where the speaker acknowledges the recipient's struggle and offers words or actions to bolster their resolve. This noun is frequently used in both personal and professional contexts to describe the support received from others, often carrying a nuance of gratitude. When someone says they received 励まし, they are acknowledging that someone else took the time to care about their progress. It is a vital component of Japanese interpersonal harmony (Wa), where mutual support helps maintain the collective strength of the group. Whether it is a teacher encouraging a student or a fan encouraging an athlete, 励まし acts as a bridge between effort and achievement.

Core Concept
The provision of emotional or verbal support to help someone maintain their spirit or effort.
Grammatical Function
As a noun, it often functions as the object of verbs like 'receive' (受ける) or 'give' (与える), or as a modifier (励ましの...).
Emotional Tone
Generally positive, warm, and motivating, though it can be formal depending on the setting.

皆様の温かい励ましのおかげで、病気を克服することができました。 (Thanks to everyone's warm encouragement, I was able to overcome my illness.)

苦しい時に友人からの励ましが何よりの薬になった。 (In difficult times, encouragement from friends became the best medicine.)

彼は周囲の励ましを背に、再びマウンドに立った。 (With the encouragement of those around him behind him, he stood on the mound once again.)

合格発表の前日、先生から心のこもった励ましを受けた。 (The day before the exam results were announced, I received heartfelt encouragement from my teacher.)

震災の被災者へ、全国から多くの励ましが届いている。 (Many words of encouragement are arriving from all over the country for the disaster victims.)

Using 励まし correctly involves understanding its role as a noun that describes an action or a set of words. It is most commonly paired with particles like 'の' to describe the type of encouragement, or 'を' when it is the direct object of an action. For example, 励ましの言葉 (hagemashi no kotoba) is a standard phrase meaning 'words of encouragement.' This is perhaps the most frequent way you will encounter the word in daily life. When you want to say you were encouraged by someone, you use the structure [Person] の励まし. In formal writing, such as thank-you letters or speeches, 励まし is often preceded by honorific adjectives like 温かい (atatakai - warm) or 力強い (chikarazuyoi - powerful/strong). It is important to note that 励まし is usually something given to someone who is facing a challenge or is in a state of distress. You wouldn't typically use it for someone who is already successful and happy without any struggle. It implies a gap between the current state and a desired goal that requires effort to bridge. In professional settings, a manager might provide 励まし to a team that has missed a deadline to keep their morale high. In sports, the 励まし from fans is considered a 'twelfth player' that can change the outcome of a game. Understanding the social context—who is giving the encouragement and why—is key to using this word naturally.

Common Verb Pairings
励ましを送る (to send), 励ましを受ける (to receive), 励ましを糧にする (to use as motivation).
Adjective Pairings
温かい励まし (warm), 絶え間ない励まし (constant), 意外な励まし (unexpected).
Typical Contexts
Exams, sports, illness recovery, career setbacks, creative blocks.

彼女の励ましが、私の唯一の支えでした。 (Her encouragement was my only support.)

上司からの励ましで、やる気を取り戻した。 (I regained my motivation thanks to the encouragement from my boss.)

You will encounter 励まし in a variety of settings, ranging from the highly formal to the deeply personal. In the media, particularly during news coverage of natural disasters or major sporting events like the Olympics, commentators often speak of the 'national 励まし' sent to those involved. You'll hear it in graduation speeches where principals offer 励ましの言葉 to departing students, urging them to face the future with courage. In the workplace, it appears during performance reviews or team meetings, especially when a project is difficult. In pop culture, lyrics of J-Pop songs are filled with themes of 励まし, often focusing on not giving up on one's dreams. On social media platforms like X (Twitter) or Instagram, users often post messages of 励まし using hashtags like #応援 or #頑張れ, and the recipients will later post a message of thanks for the 励まし they received. It is also a common theme in 'shonen' manga, where the protagonist's growth is often fueled by the 励まし of their friends and mentors. Even in medical settings, doctors and nurses provide 励まし to patients undergoing long-term treatment. It is a word that signifies the human connection in the face of adversity, making it ubiquitous in any narrative involving struggle and perseverance.

Media Context
Interviews with athletes, charity telethons, documentary narration.
Daily Life
Family conversations, school clubs, community gatherings.
Literature/Art
Self-help books, inspirational poetry, lyrics.

One of the most common mistakes learners make is confusing 励まし (hagemashi) with 慰め (nagusame). While both involve emotional support, their directions are different. 励まし is forward-looking; it aims to give someone the strength to keep going or to try harder. It is about 'encouragement.' On the other hand, 慰め is backward-looking or focused on the present pain; it is 'consolation' or 'comfort' for a loss or failure that has already occurred. If someone fails an exam, you might first offer 慰め (I'm so sorry, it's okay to be sad) and then follow up with 励まし (You'll get it next time, don't give up!). Another mistake is using 励まし in a way that sounds condescending. In Japanese culture, giving encouragement to a superior (like a boss or a much older person) requires very careful language. Simply saying 'I give you 励まし' to a boss would be impolite. Instead, you would use more humble or indirect expressions. Additionally, learners sometimes confuse 励まし with 応援 (ouen). While similar, 応援 is often more about 'rooting' or 'cheering' (like at a stadium), whereas 励まし is more about the specific words or emotional support that builds someone's inner strength. Finally, remember that 励まし is a noun. You cannot say '励ましする'; you must use the verb form '励ます' or the phrase '励ましを与える/送る'.

To truly master 励まし, it is helpful to compare it with its synonyms and related terms. 激励 (gekirei) is a more formal and intense version of 励まし. It is often used in official contexts, such as a '激励会' (a send-off party to encourage someone). 応援 (ouen) is the most common word for 'support' or 'cheering.' It is broader and can include physical help or just shouting from the sidelines. 鼓舞 (kobu) is a literary and powerful term meaning 'to inspire' or 'to stir up' someone's spirit, often used in historical or military contexts. 勇気づけ (yuukizuke) literally means 'giving courage' and is very close in meaning to 励まし, but focuses specifically on the instillment of bravery. プッシュ (pusshu) is a loanword from English 'push' and is used colloquially to mean giving someone a nudge to do something. Understanding these nuances allows you to choose the right word for the right level of formality and the specific type of support you are describing. For instance, you would receive 励まし from a parent, but you might receive 激励 from the CEO of your company.

激励 (Gekirei)
Formal, strong, often official encouragement.
応援 (Ouen)
General support, cheering, rooting for someone.
鼓舞 (Kobu)
To inspire or rouse spirits (literary).

How Formal Is It?

Formal

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Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Examples by Level

1

友だちの励ましはうれしいです。

Friend's encouragement makes me happy.

Noun + は + Adjective

2

励ましの言葉をありがとうございます。

Thank you for the words of encouragement.

Noun + の + Noun

3

お母さんの励ましで頑張ります。

I will do my best with my mother's encouragement.

Noun + で (means/reason)

4

先生の励ましが好きです。

I like my teacher's encouragement.

Possessive 'no'

5

励ましをください。

Please give me some encouragement.

Object marker 'o' + kudasai

6

これは励ましのメールです。

This is an encouraging email.

Desu (copula)

7

みんなの励ましがあります。

There is everyone's encouragement.

Arimasu (existence)

8

励ましは大切です。

Encouragement is important.

Topic marker 'wa'

1

テストの前に、父から励ましをもらいました。

Before the test, I received encouragement from my father.

Kara (from) + moraimashita (received)

2

励ましの手紙を書いています。

I am writing an encouraging letter.

Te-form + imasu (continuous)

3

彼女の励ましはいつも温かいです。

Her encouragement is always warm.

Adverb 'itsumo'

4

励ましのおかげで、走ることができました。

Thanks to the encouragement, I was able to run.

Okage de (thanks to)

5

友達に励ましの言葉をかけました。

I said words of encouragement to my friend.

Kotoba o kakeru (to say words to someone)

6

たくさんの励ましが届きました。

A lot of encouragement arrived.

Todokimashita (arrived)

7

励ましが必要な時があります。

There are times when encouragement is needed.

Hitsuyou na (necessary)

8

励ましを受けて、元気になりました。

I felt better after receiving encouragement.

Te-form for sequence

1

失敗した時、彼の励ましが力になりました。

When I failed, his encouragement became my strength.

Toki (when) + chikara ni naru (become strength)

2

周囲の励ましを無駄にしたくない。

I don't want to waste the encouragement of those around me.

Muda ni shitakunai (don't want to waste)

3

励ましのメッセージをSNSに投稿した。

I posted an encouraging message on social media.

Toukou shita (posted)

4

病気の間、皆さんの励ましに支えられました。

During my illness, I was supported by everyone's encouragement.

Passive voice 'sasaerareta'

5

励まし合うことが、チームには必要だ。

Encouraging each other is necessary for the team.

Verb stem + au (each other)

6

彼の励ましは、いつも具体的で助かる。

His encouragement is always specific and helpful.

Gutaiteki (specific)

7

励ましを受けると、自信が湧いてくる。

When I receive encouragement, confidence wells up.

Ba/To conditional

8

心のこもった励ましに感謝しています。

I am grateful for the heartfelt encouragement.

Kokoro no komotta (heartfelt)

1

絶え間ない励ましが、彼のスランプ脱出を助けた。

Constant encouragement helped him escape his slump.

Taemanai (constant)

2

励ましをプレッシャーに感じてしまうこともある。

Sometimes I end up feeling encouragement as pressure.

Te-shimau (unintentional result)

3

被災地へ、励ましの品々が送られた。

Items of encouragement were sent to the disaster-stricken area.

Passive voice 'okurareta'

4

上司の励ましは、部下のやる気を引き出す。

A boss's encouragement draws out the motivation of subordinates.

Hikidasu (draw out)

5

彼は励ましを糧にして、厳しい練習に耐えた。

He used encouragement as motivation and endured harsh training.

Kate ni shite (using as food/source)

6

励ましというよりは、むしろ強制に近い。

It's less like encouragement and more like coercion.

To iu yori wa (rather than)

7

孤独な戦いの中で、ファンの励ましが唯一の光だった。

In a lonely battle, fans' encouragement was the only light.

Yuiitsu no hikari (only light)

8

励ましの言葉を贈る際は、相手の状況を考えるべきだ。

When giving words of encouragement, you should consider the other person's situation.

Bekki da (should)

1

形式的な励ましよりも、沈黙の共感が必要な時もある。

There are times when silent empathy is needed more than formal encouragement.

Keishikiteki (formal/perfunctory)

2

彼のスピーチは、聴衆への力強い励ましに満ちていた。

His speech was filled with powerful encouragement for the audience.

Ni michite ita (was filled with)

3

励ましが過剰になると、かえって相手を追い詰める。

When encouragement becomes excessive, it conversely corners the person.

Kaette (on the contrary)

4

逆境における励ましの心理的効果を研究している。

I am researching the psychological effects of encouragement in adversity.

Gyakkyou (adversity)

5

その一言は、絶望の淵にいた私への最大の励ましだった。

That one word was the greatest encouragement to me, who was on the brink of despair.

Zetsubou no fuchi (brink of despair)

6

相互の励ましが、コミュニティの結束を強める。

Mutual encouragement strengthens the unity of the community.

Sougo (mutual)

7

励ましの裏にある期待が、時に重荷となる。

The expectations behind encouragement sometimes become a burden.

Ura ni aru (behind/underlying)

8

彼は、他者への励ましを通じて自分自身を癒やしているようだ。

It seems he is healing himself through encouraging others.

Tsuujite (through/via)

1

励ましという行為の根底には、人間への深い信頼がある。

At the root of the act of encouragement lies a deep trust in humanity.

Kontei (root/foundation)

2

安易な励ましは、時に相手の苦悩を軽視することに繋がりかねない。

Easy encouragement can sometimes lead to trivializing the other person's suffering.

Tsunagari kanenai (might lead to - negative)

3

文学における「励まし」の表象は、時代と共に変遷してきた。

The representation of 'encouragement' in literature has transitioned with the times.

Hyoushou (representation)

4

指導者には、冷徹な判断力と同時に、人々を鼓舞する励ましの才が求められる。

A leader is required to have both cool-headed judgment and the talent for encouragement that inspires people.

Reitetsu (cool-headed)

5

その沈黙は、雄弁な励ましよりも深く私の心に響いた。

That silence resonated in my heart more deeply than eloquent encouragement.

Yuuben (eloquent)

6

励ましのパラドックス：支える側もまた、支えられているのである。

The paradox of encouragement: the one supporting is also being supported.

Paradox (loanword)

7

社会構造的な困難に対して、個人の励ましだけでは限界がある。

Against socio-structural difficulties, there are limits to individual encouragement alone.

Genkai (limit)

8

真の励ましとは、相手のありのままを肯定することから始まる。

True encouragement begins with affirming the other person as they are.

Arinomama (as one is)

Common Collocations

励ましの言葉 (hagemashi no kotoba)
励ましを受ける (hagemashi o ukeru)
励ましを送る (hagemashi o okuru)
温かい励まし (atatakai hagemashi)
励ましを糧にする (hagemashi o kate ni suru)
力強い励まし (chikarazuyoi hagemashi)
励ましに感謝する (hagemashi ni kansha suru)
絶え間ない励まし (taemanai hagemashi)
励まし合う (hagemashiau)
心のこもった励まし (kokoro no komotta hagemashi)

Common Phrases

励ましのメッセージ (Encouraging message)

励ましの手紙 (Encouraging letter)

励ましの会 (Encouragement party/meeting)

励ましの一言 (A single word of encouragement)

励ましが必要だ (Need encouragement)

励ましを力に変える (Turn encouragement into strength)

励ましのおかげで (Thanks to the encouragement)

励ましを背に (With encouragement behind one)

励ましを与える (To give encouragement)

励ましを求める (To seek encouragement)

Often Confused With

励まし vs 慰め (nagusame)

励まし vs 応援 (ouen)

励まし vs 激励 (gekirei)

Idioms & Expressions

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Easily Confused

励まし vs

励まし vs

励まし vs

励まし vs

励まし vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

vs ouen

Ouen is broader; Hagemashi is more about the emotional/verbal aspect.

vs nagusame

Nagusame is for comfort after loss; Hagemashi is for motivation to continue.

Common Mistakes
  • Confusing 'hagemashi' with 'nagusame' (consolation).
  • Using 'hagemashi suru' instead of 'hagemasu'.
  • Giving 'hagemashi' to a superior in a way that sounds patronizing.
  • Using 'hagemashi' when 'ouen' (cheering at a stadium) is more appropriate.
  • Forgetting the 'no' when using it as a modifier (e.g., saying 'hagemashi kotoba' instead of 'hagemashi no kotoba').

Tips

Use with 'Okage de'

Combine 'hagemashi' with 'okage de' to show gratitude. For example, 'Hagemashi no okage de ganbaremashita.' This sounds very natural and polite.

Forward-looking

Remember that 'hagemashi' is about the future. Use it when you want someone to keep going. If they are just sad about the past, use 'nagusame'.

Mutual Support

The phrase 'hagemashiau' (encouraging each other) is very common in Japan. It emphasizes the importance of teamwork and group effort.

Adjective Pairings

Use '温かい' (warm) or '力強い' (strong) to describe 'hagemashi'. These are the most common collocations in written Japanese.

Softening the Tone

When giving encouragement, adding 'hagemashi ni nareba to omoimashite' (I thought this might be an encouragement) makes your support sound humble.

Thank-you Notes

In a thank-you note, 'hagemashi' is a perfect word to describe the support you received from the recipient.

Ganbare Culture

Understand that 'hagemashi' is the fuel for 'Ganbare'. It is a way to acknowledge someone's hard work without being intrusive.

Noun vs Verb

Don't say 'hagemashi suru'. Use the verb 'hagemasu' or the noun phrase 'hagemashi o ataeru'.

Identify in Media

Listen for this word during interviews with athletes who have just finished a difficult race. They almost always mention 'hagemashi'.

Root Word

Focus on the kanji 励 (strive). If you remember that it means 'strive,' you can easily remember that 'hagemashi' is what helps you strive.

Memorize It

Word Origin

The verb 'hagemu' originally meant to exert oneself or to be diligent. 'Hagemasu' became the causative-like form to make others exert themselves, hence 'encourage.'

Cultural Context

Recipients of '励まし' often respond with modesty, attributing their success to that support.

The way you give '励まし' changes drastically with social hierarchy.

Encouragement is a tool for 'Wa' (harmony).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"最近、誰かから励ましを受けましたか？ (Have you received encouragement from anyone lately?)"

"落ち込んでいる友達に、どんな励ましの言葉をかけますか？ (What words of encouragement do you say to a depressed friend?)"

"あなたにとって、一番の励ましは何ですか？ (What is the greatest encouragement for you?)"

"励ましがプレッシャーになったことはありますか？ (Has encouragement ever become pressure for you?)"

"日本の「励まし」の文化についてどう思いますか？ (What do you think about the culture of 'encouragement' in Japan?)"

Journal Prompts

今日受けた励ましについて書いてください。 (Write about the encouragement you received today.)

自分が誰かを励ました時のことを思い出してください。 (Recall a time when you encouraged someone.)

励ましが自分の人生をどう変えたか。 (How encouragement changed your life.)

言葉以外の励まし（行動など）について。 (About encouragement other than words, like actions.)

励ましが必要な自分へのメッセージ。 (A message to yourself who needs encouragement.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, 'hagemashi' is the noun form. The verb is 'hagemasu.' You can use 'hagemashi' as a noun in sentences like 'hagemashi o ukeru' (receive encouragement).

It is better to avoid saying 'I give you hagemashi' to a boss as it sounds a bit arrogant. Instead, use 'ouen shite orimasu' or other humble expressions.

'Ouen' is like cheering at a game. 'Hagemashi' is more about the specific words or emotional support that helps someone's spirit.

Yes, it is generally positive. However, if it is too much, someone might feel it as 'pressure,' but the intent is always supportive.

The most common phrase is '励ましの言葉' (hagemashi no kotoba).

No, it is used for people or groups of people who have feelings and can be encouraged.

It is a standard word used in both casual and formal settings. For very formal situations, '激励' (gekirei) might be used.

Words like 'kenashi' (disparagement) or 'hihan' (criticism) are opposites in terms of social effect.

Yes, especially when thanking a client or colleague for their support during a difficult project.

Not necessarily failing, but it implies they are facing a challenge or a difficult situation that requires effort.

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