Translation and Meaning of: 励ます - hagemasu

The Japanese word 励ます (はげます) is a verb that carries a deep and motivating meaning. If you are learning Japanese or are curious about the language, understanding how this word is used in everyday life can be very useful. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is perceived in Japanese culture, along with tips for memorizing it efficiently.

Often translated as "encourage" or "cheer up," 励ます goes beyond a simple incentive. It is connected to situations where someone needs emotional support or motivation to move forward. Whether in personal, professional contexts, or even in animes and dramas, this word appears frequently, showing its importance in Japanese communication.

Meaning and use of 励ます

The verb 励ます (はげます) is used when you want to give strength to someone going through a difficult or discouraging moment. It can be used in both formal and informal situations, from conversations among friends to motivational speeches. Its essence lies in the act of uplifting another person's spirit, whether with words, gestures, or actions.

An interesting aspect is that 励ます is not limited to just generic positive statements. In Japan, encouraging someone often includes recognizing the person's efforts and showing confidence in their ability to overcome challenges. This reflects a cultural trait where mutual support and perseverance are highly valued.

Origin and composition of kanji

The kanji 励 is composed of two significant elements. The radical on the left, 厂, is associated with cliffs or precipices, while the right side, 厲, conveys the idea of intense effort. Together, they transmit the notion of "working hard" or "persevering," which aligns perfectly with the meaning of the verb.

This composition helps to understand why 励ます is not just about giving words of encouragement, but also about inspiring action and resilience. The kanji itself tells a visual story of overcoming, which can be a great tool for those trying to memorize the word and its deeper meaning.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to memorize 励ます is to associate it with real situations where encouragement makes a difference. Think of moments when you or someone close needed support - this creates an emotional connection with the word. Another strategy is to practice with simple sentences like "友達を励ます" (encouraging a friend) to internalize its use.

It's worth noting that while 励ます can be translated as "to encourage," its use in Japanese tends to be more specific than its Portuguese equivalent. It usually appears in contexts where there is visible effort or a clear difficulty to be overcome. Observing how natives use this word in dramas or conversations can help capture these subtle nuances.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 励まし (hagemashi) - encouragement
• 励む (hagemu) - Strive; motivate yourself
• 鼓舞する (kobu suru) - Inspire; motivate; encourage (with more emphasis on inspiration)
• 奮い立たせる (furuitataseru) - Getting up; motivating oneself to act (emphasis on active motivation)

励ます

Romaji: hagemasu
Kana: はげます
Type: Verb
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: to encourage; to twist; Raise (the voice)

Meaning in English: to encourage;to cheer;to raise (the voice)

Definition: To encourage and empower people.

Example Sentences - (励ます) hagemasu

See below some example sentences:

私は友達を励ますために彼女にエールを送ります。

Watashi wa tomodachi o hagemasu tame ni kanojo ni ēru o okurimasu

I send an encouragement message to my friend to encourage her.

I send her a beer to encourage my friends.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that marks the topic of the sentence, indicating that the subject is "I"
• 友達 (tomodachi) - noun meaning "friend"
• を (wo) - particle that marks the direct object of the sentence, indicating that "friend" is the object of the action
• 励ます (hagemasu) - verb meaning "to encourage"
• ために (tameni) - expression that indicates the purpose of the action, in this case "to encourage the friend"
• 彼女 (kanojo) - noun meaning "she"
• に (ni) - particle indicating the recipient of the action, in this case "she" is the recipient of the encouragement
• エール (eeru) - noun meaning "support" or "encouragement"
• を (wo) - particle that marks the direct object of the sentence, indicating that "support" is the object of the action
• 送ります (okurimasu) - verb meaning "to send"